Kite Association Defies Ban, Announces Basant Celebrations in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI: Despite a complete ban on kite flying and the sale of kites, the Kite Association has announced plans to celebrate Basant in Rawalpindi on Friday and Basant Night on Thursday. The district government has issued strict orders prohibiting these activities, with the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and City Police Officer (CPO) directing police forces to arrest anyone involved in kite flying or selling.
Crackdown Measures in Place:
- The district administration has taken multiple precautions to enforce the ban, including directing motorcyclists to take safety measures to protect against metal string, commonly used in kite flying.
- The police have been conducting raids and issuing warnings through loudspeakers at mosques and local neighborhoods to prevent the sale and flying of kites.
- In certain areas, including the Jhanda Chichi residential colony, where police officials’ children are reportedly involved, preparations for Basant continue despite the crackdown.
Kite Deliveries Continue Amid Police Efforts:
- Despite the police’s stringent measures, a significant number of kites and string rolls have been delivered to Rawalpindi. Social media platforms are being used to place orders for kites, with sellers using coded language—referring to kites as “pet animals” and strings as “animal feed.”
Kite Association’s Stand:
- Chaudhry Iqbal, vice chairman of the Kite Association, called on the government to shut down factories producing glass-coated metal string to mitigate the dangers associated with kite flying.
- He also urged the government to enforce a complete ban on the production of metal thread while permitting kite flying in open areas. He criticized the government for imposing restrictions on kite flyers while still taxing manufacturers of kite materials.
- Iqbal questioned why the government was focused on kite flying when other serious crimes, such as murder, remain unresolved.
Police’s Harsh Measures:
- The police have deployed motorcycle squads to patrol areas, and large ladders have been provided to officers to access rooftops and arrest kite flyers.
- DC Hassan Waqar Cheema warned that anyone caught flying or selling kites would face severe legal consequences, including prison sentences ranging from three to seven years and fines ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs5 million.
Despite the authorities’ firm stance, the Kite Association remains determined to go ahead with the Basant celebrations. The ongoing clash between the celebration of this cultural event and the government’s safety concerns reflects the tension between tradition and public safety in Rawalpindi.