Confusion over Basant persists

Association announces Basant on Feb 12-13 while authorities issue conflicting statements

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Kite Association has announced that Basant Night will be celebrated on February 12 and a full-day Basant on February 13 in the city.

In contrast, the police, district administration and the provincial parliamentary secretary have declared that Basant will remain banned.

Authorities have warned that kite flying and selling will carry punishments ranging from three to seven years in prison, fines of up to Rs0.5 million, and non-bailable cases. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) director general has announced a family Basant event at Liaquat Bagh.

Government institutions have come face to face over whether Basant should be allowed or not. Provincial ministers, parliamentary secretaries and PML-N lawmakers describe Basant as a major sport, source of income and cultural festival within Lahore limits.

However, upon entering Rawalpindi's jurisdiction, the same kite flying is termed a "bloody sport," and parents of children are sent to jail.

Rawalpindi Kite Association Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Iqbal and leader Faisal Raja said Basant has been celebrated in Rawalpindi for 55 years, and bans have never been successfully enforced. They announced that Basant Night will be held from sunset to midnight on February 12, while the main Basant on Friday, February 13, will be celebrated from 10am till sunset.

They demanded that the administration strictly ban metallic string and allow kite flying only with cotton thread; otherwise, Basant will be celebrated regardless of restrictions. They warned that kite cutting, food stalls, fireworks, crackers and even aerial firing would take place, and no one would be able to stop it.

They said preparations have reached their peak, permission has been granted in Lahore, and Rawalpindi should also be allowed to celebrate Basant.

Otherwise, a full-fledged Basant will be held without permission. Separate Basant events will be held in Rawalpindi city and the cantonment.

Kite and string sales through social media are at their peak, with record supplies reaching Rawalpindi from Abbottabad and Haripur.

It was alleged that police at checkpoints allowed the transportation of kites and strings into Rawalpindi after collecting bribes.

Meanwhile, the RDA DG chaired a meeting and approved the proposal to hold Basant at Liaquat Bagh instead of along the Ring Road.

Police have become active to stop the event.