EDISON, NJ – The Indian Business Association, organizers of the India Independence Day parade in Edison have apologized for including a bulldozer in the celebration, calling it a “divisive image.”

The apology comes after officials in Edison promised accountability and action. More: Calls For Accountability Grow Over Bulldozer In Edison Parade

In a letter addressed to the mayors of Edison and Woodbridge, the IBA acknowledged that certain aspects of the event offended the Indian American minority community, especially Muslims.

“Unfortunately there was a bulldozer among the floats in the parade which is a divisive image that did not reflect our mission. It was seen quite negatively by many who are deeply impacted and insulted by certain activities that have been happening in India. Many who participated in or watched the parade or heard about the activities from social media accounts were offended by this symbol and by comments made by our guest speakers and that was not our intention,” the group said in their letter.

Over the past few weeks, community members, religious leaders and activists have repeatedly called on local officials to take action against the organizers for including the bulldozer in the parade which is seen as a symbol of Islamophobia. More: Muslim Groups Condemn Presence Of Bulldozer At Parade In Edison

Advocacy groups have accused the Indian government of using “bulldozer justice” as a means of demolishing property largely owned by Muslims.

“Our parade should never be about politics and should never include these blatant divisive symbols. Our parade should recognize us as South Asians living in two of the best towns in the country,” the IBA said.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) acknowledged the apology on Tuesday.

“We recognize IBA’S apology acknowledges its own wrongdoing, which is a necessary step toward making future parades representative of the Indian diaspora, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Tribals,” CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said.

“We agree that future parades cannot include blatantly divisive symbols and guest speakers and should never be about politics. Such hatred cannot be tolerated. Instead, the parade should celebrate India’s independence and rich culture and diversity.”

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