Basant Becomes Violent, One Person Killed , 50 Injured

Wraa Noor Haider

RAWALPINDI: Despite a ban on the illegal spring celebration, Basant was observed in Rawalpindi, where a 20-year-old man was killed and at least 50 other people, including children, were injured in aerial firing and kite-flying-related incidents on February 24.

The 20-year-old Arham Fazal died during the celebrations when he was hit by a stray bullet in the head within the limits of the Airport police station. After the incident, rescue officials and a police team reached the spot and shifted the body to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital.

The hospital sources said stray strings and bullets injured at least 50 other people with some of the injured in serious condition.

The district administration outlawed Basant celebrations and kite flying last month in accordance with Section 144.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani then issued crackdown orders to 33 police stations throughout the district against anyone who makes kites and strings, orders them from other cities, and sells or purchases them.

However, enthusiasts continued to disregard the restrictions on Friday, enjoying the historic colourful spring festival by flying kites from rooftops in the garrison city, despite the restrictions that were initially put in place by officials in 2007 after a string of accidents.

A SP (Potohar) official who was struck by a stray bullet in the arm also suffered minor wounds.

The district police claimed that they have detained numerous kite sellers and arrested dozens of individuals for disobeying the Basant prohibition.

Taking notice of the situation, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Khurram Ali ordered the SSP (Operations) to take immediate action against those responsible and house-owners for allowing kite-flying on rooftops.

The official said that no one would be allowed to play with the lives of citizens.