The Mizoram government has decided to ban sale and bursting of firecrackers and sky lanterns, as well as sale and possession of toy guns on Christmas and New Year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, official sources said.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting held on Monday at the SAD Conference Hall, MINECO, chaired by state Home Minister Lachamliana.
During the meeting, it was also decided that special police checkpoints and mobile patrolling will be revamped, a statement issued by the state Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) stated.
Prohibitory orders in this regard will be issued by the district magistrates and those found disobeying the order will be duly penalised, it stated.
Besides, the Local Level Task Forces set up to combat COVID-19 pandemic will also be roped in for this purpose, it added.
The government appealed to the people of Mizoram to avoid bursting crackers as pollution caused by such activities could exacerbate conditions of COVID-19 patients and people suffering from other respiratory diseases.