Lahore: Punjab Government Imposes Restrictions Under Section 144 Ahead of Basant to Prevent Provocation
The Punjab government has imposed various restrictions under Section 144 to curb incitement during Basant. According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, these restrictions have been put in place to maintain religious harmony and public peace during Basant.
The notification states that for 30 days, there is a ban on the preparation, purchase, sale, and use of kites bearing images of holy books, religious sites, or any personality; kites with flags of any country or political party; or any religious or political symbols.
According to the notification, during Basant, the use of plain single-color or multi-color dolls and kites without images is permitted, while the preparation, transportation, storage, sale, and use of illegal kites have been declared punishable offenses.
The Punjab government notification also states that there was apprehension of provocative elements using religious or political symbols during Basant; the orders under Section 144 are immediately enforceable, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action.
On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department says that the government has given conditional permission for safe Basant in Lahore from February 6 to 8. The Punjab government has permitted safe Basant as a recreational festival, and no law-breaking will be allowed on this occasion.
The Home Department spokesperson explained that restrictions have been imposed to maintain public peace and respect public religious sentiments; there is a complete ban on the use of metal wire, nylon, or glass-coated string, and the preparation, transportation, storage, sale, and use of dangerous string and kites is prohibited.
According to the Home Department spokesperson, kite flying before the specified date can result in up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 2 million rupees; individuals involved in preparing or selling prohibited materials could face up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 5 million rupees.
