The Manipur government on Thursday imposed a ban on the use of firecrackers ahead of the Diwali festival.
The latest order issued by Imphal East District Magistrate, Khumanthem Diana Devi, prohibited/banned the use of crackers/firework during the celebration of the ensuing Diwali festival in the whole area of Imphal East District with immediate effect and until further orders.
The move is taken following apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity if the sale and use of crackers/firework during the Diwali is not checked, it stated.
No person or persons, firm by whatever name known, shall engage in possession and sale of crackers and fireworks without a valid licence issued in this behalf by the IE District Magistrate under Section 84 of the Explosives Rules, 2008, it asserted.
It stated that there is no temporary licence for possession and sale of crackers/ firework having been issued by the same as on date in connection with the ensuing Diwali festival.
It warned that any case of possession and sale of such items are in violation of the Explosives Act, 1884 and the rules thereunder and action as per law will be taken against such violators.
The statement further said that as Diwali festival falls on Friday, it is not possible to identify all persons who are likely to cause such mischief or misuse of crackers/firework within the short period of time available, and therefore there is emergency and it is considered to be a fit case for taking up proceedings under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023.
It further stated that there are possibilities of misuse of crackers/firework to cause annoyance or panic or confusion among the public or even to divert security forces as a result of such mischief of confusion with a view to cause loss of lives and property elsewhere.
It is considered that non-prohibition of the use of crackers/firework is likely to cause breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and danger to human lives and properties arising out of such anticipated misuse of crackers/firework as described above, it maintained.
It further said that the order is issued in exercise of power conferred under Section 163 (2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It is passed ex parte, and is directed to the public in general, it added.