SRINAGAR: The administration in Poonch and Rajouri districts have ordered a complete ban on the storage, sale, and use of firecrackers after a militant attack in Bhatta Dhurian in which five soldiers were killed on April 20.
In separate orders issued by the District Magistrates of Poonch, Rajouri, all the field officers have been directed to ensure strict implementation of order.
The District Magistrate Rajouri in his order has mentioned a communication made by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajouri, who has informed that the use of firecrackers, especially during marriage events is creating definite confusion among the security forces, Army, and police, which may lead to inaction many times to respond a militant attack, particularly during the present security scenario.
SSP in his communication has also recommended imposing ban on sale, storage and use of crackers.
Therefore, the DM Rajouri, in his order, has imposed a ban on storage, sale and use of fire crackers for security concerns.
Earlier in a similar order under number 517 DMP , DM Poonch said that, “SSP Poonch has reported that marriage season is underway and people oftenly resort to bursting of crackers during the ceremonies particularly in night hours, which creates a definite confusion among security forces and may lead to inaction many times to respond a terror attack particularly during current security scenario”.
SSP Poonch has accordingly recommended for imposing ban on sale of fire crackers as during the present situation there is apprehension that use of fire crackers by public may create confusion leading to obstacle in the way of quick response by security forces to any possible terror attack or firing incident”.
In view of above and power vested in me under section 144 CrPC, i Yasin M choudhary DM Poonch hereby impose complete ban on storage, sale and use of crackers within the jurisdiction of Poonch till further orders, violation of this order shall invite action under IPC”, the order reads, while the concerned officers have been directed to aware public to not use fire crackers.
