AIZAWL: Officials confirmed that twelve individuals were arrested and thirteen cases were filed in Aizawl district, Mizoram, for violating the government’s ban on fireworks during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
A police official stated that the arrests and cases were a result of the illegal use and bursting of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials. Additionally, twenty-three cases were lodged by different police stations in the district for further investigation.
The official observed that while detailed reports from other districts are still awaited, firecracker usage in Aizawl city was notably lower this year compared to previous celebrations, thanks to the government's directive.
To promote an environmentally friendly Christmas and New Year's celebration, the Mizoram government had earlier imposed a ban on firecrackers, sky lanterns, and other pyrotechnic materials.
Community leaders and civil society organizations also launched active campaigns to discourage the use of fireworks. To ensure compliance, the police deployed drones across various police station jurisdictions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A police action report stated, "Video recordings from the drones are being analyzed, and legal action will be taken against those who violate the prohibitory order on firecrackers." Despite the restrictions, Mizoram, predominantly Christian, celebrated the New Year with great enthusiasm at numerous events organized by various organizations and clubs.
As part of the New Year celebrations, hundreds of churches across the state held traditional worship services, prayers, and congregational singing. The Presbyterian Church of India, the Baptist Church of Mizoram, and other churches are set to host community feasts on Thursday to mark the conclusion of the New Year festivities.
All churches in the state held midnight services on Tuesday to usher in the new year. For the past two weeks, Mizoram has been enveloped in a festive atmosphere in anticipation of Christmas, the state's most important annual celebration.