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The Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago has charged Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul with discriminating against Hindus in the force by not allowing them to celebrate Diwali, disrupting a 20-year old tradition in violation of constitutional rights.
The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin alleged that the police chief discriminated against Hindu police officers by not allowing them to celebrate Diwali in the police stations.
"The unprecedented ban disrupted a 20-year old tradition of celebrations and amounts to blatant discrimination in violation of people's constitutional rights to equality and freedom of religious observance," GOPIO said in a statement.
GOPIO termed the move as "re-imposition of colonialism in Trinidad and Tobago."
It compared the move with other positive examples such as US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who encouraged Diwali celebrations in their offices.
GOPIO also chided Prime Minister Patrick Manning and President George Richards for remaining silent on the issue.