Poonch: Complete Ban Imposed On Sale, Use Of Firecrackers Over Security Concerns
POONCH: District Magistrate Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma (JKAS), on Thursday ordered a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers across the district until further notice.
According to the order, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, had reported that during the ongoing marriage season, the bursting of firecrackers — especially in the late evening and night hours — could cause confusion among the Army and other security forces, potentially hindering their ability to respond promptly to any terror-related or firing incident.
Citing these security concerns, the District Magistrate imposed the restriction under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The order directs SDMs, Tehsildars, the CEO of Municipal Council Poonch, the EO of Municipal Committee Surankote, and the District Information Officer to ensure wide public awareness of the ban through print and electronic media, as well as public announcements and drum beating in local areas.
The ban has come into immediate effect, with the DM noting that the order was issued ex parte due to urgent security considerations.
Any violation of the directive, the order warns, will invite strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
