2 killed, over 90 injured in kite-flying incidents

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: At least two people were killed and more than 90 injured during kite-flying incidents in different cities of Punjab despite the strict ban from the government, a private TV channel reported on Friday.

The Supreme Court and the Lahore High Court had directed the concerned authorities to ensure a complete ban on Basant. Despite the ban, people celebrated the kite flying festival, by arranging functions on their rooftops and playing loud music.

Kite flying continued in Lahore despite the government ban on the activity. A 12-year-old boy was electrocuted in Baghbanpura after he tried to grab a kite, which was stuck in an electricity pole. In Faisalabad, a young man, identified as Dua, was killed during aerial firing, an activity largely attributed with the kite-flying festival. Several people celebrated the kite flying festival and firing incidents were reported in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and other areas of Punjab.

Separately, a spokesman of Punjab Police contradicted a news-item telecasted by some private TV channels regarding Basant and clarified that no death has occurred due to kite flying in the province. The death of a boy in Lahore was due to the electric shock while a youth in Faisalabad was killed due to accidental firing by his brother.

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