There have been several debates at various levels on celebration of Basant. One group is in favour of it and some are against. And both sides have solid reasons to support their points of view. Every year there are crackdowns, restrictions, arrests and media campaigns but people are not deterred. Every year Basant is celebrated despite the ban.
This year too Basant was celebrated in various parts of Punjab. However, unlike the previous years, this time around, the local administrations and police did not go against the violators as they did during the last few years.
Yes, once in a while, one would read news here and there about police seizing kites and related material that were being smuggled into Punjab, but other than that there was no crackdown, no arrest and no effective police patrolling. The lacklustre approach might be because of the police being busy with the post-election duties.
Like other cities, Rawalpindi celebrated Basant with full force last Friday. Residents of Tench Bhatta, Mughalabad, Lal Kurti, Dhoke Syedan, Dhoke Khabba, Dhoke Chiraghdin, Jhanda Chichi, People’s Colony, Misrial Road, Dhamial, Arya Mohallah and many more ignored the ban and the subsequent police crackdown. Various neighbourhoods resounded with gunshots and horns while music blared in the background.
The rooftops were crowded with young boys and girls as kites dotted the sky. The celebrations had begun late Thursday night and continued throughout Friday. It is a festive occasion as families invite their friends and relatives to celebrate the occasion. And, they do it without any fear of action from the relative authorities.
The point is why the restrictions then?
If the local administrations are adamant on banning Basant then they should utilise all the resources to stop people from celebrating it. Then the approach should not be lacklustre and half-hearted. If the police fail to stop citizens, then why not allow them. Yes, there should be certain restrictions on the kind of strings being used and how should the event be celebrated. The authorities have to devise a plan which prevents mishaps and tragedies.
That can only be achieved by solely focusing on confiscating lethal strings that claim lives and use of weapons for jubilatory fire. Grounds should be allocated and open spaces should be fixed for people to bring their families and celebrate Basant. An effective crackdown should be launched against the use of lethal strings and weapons.
The area police should take undertakings from households and if they are found flouting the restrictions, strict action be taken. One should not forget, the event has been celebrated for decades but never at the cost of precious lives.
