Crackers banned near mosques, hospitals in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: This Diwali , bursting of firecrackers near a mosque , hospital or public roads may land one in jail in the city. The city police have issued an order to that effect, strictly advising everyone to abstain from any kind of violation of the order or to face legal action, including arrest.

The order issued by the city police's (East Police District) deputy commissioner of police Ranjan Bhuyan became effective from Friday and will stay in force till the midnight of October 29.

It stated, "Bursting of crackers and fireworks on public roads, marketplaces, inside and near hospitals, mosques and other places of public congregation under the East Police district are prohibited. Any person contravening this order shall be liable to be punished in accordance with the provisions of section 188 of the Indian Penal Code."

Under the section, an offender could be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or be fined or both. If any violation of the order is considered to be serious enough to cause danger to human life, health or safety, or may trigger a riot or affray, the offender might be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or with fine or with both.

The East Police district encompasses vast areas of Dispur, Bhangagarh, Hatigaon, Basistha, Khetri as well as Sonapur.