Despite the ban on kite flying, registration of cases and imposition of heavy fines along with imprisonment of the violators, the Rawalpindi Kite Flying Association has once again announced to celebrate Basant on Thursday [tomorrow] night as well as on Friday.
Sources said preparations have also been made for aerial firing on the occasion.
On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and City Police Officer (CPO) have issued orders to thwart the spring festival with strictness.
According to sources, ladders of 15, 20 and 30 feet have also been provided to the police for arresting the kite flyers.
The sources said that the association has asked the kite flyers not to use metal strings.
They said the Basant night will start after evening prayers on Thursday and will continue until midnight during which white kites will be flown in the sky. The next day, Basant will begin at 11:00 am. It will reach its peak around Friday prayers and will continue until evening.
The kite flyers have also made arrangements for food on the roofs of their houses while alternative escape routes have also been planned in case of police raids on the Basant day.
Sources said if the police climb up the ladder on one roof, the kite flyers will run away from the roof of the other house. They said when the police enter the street, special whistles will be blown to alert the kite flyers.
Meanwhile, the police have also announced arrests of those roaming around the streets and markets for ‘looting’ the falling kits.
Checking of vehicles has also been started and the kite vendors have started selling kite strings to the people only based on acquaintance.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2023.
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