30 March,2011 05:59 AM IST | | Kaumudi Gurjar
City police impose ban on firecrackers in public places in the event of India winning the semis; this they say is to maintain law and order
The city police are all set to ensure there are no heated celebrations -- literally -- if India beats Pakistan in the World Cup semifinal today. The police have imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers in open places, with a view to maintain law and order in the city. Anyone found violating the order will have to face the music from the police in the form of stringent action.
Spoilsport: Those unwilling to comply with the police diktat will face
stringent action. Representation pic
"Bursting of firecrackers will not be allowed in open places," said DCP Rajendra Dahale. "Also, ahead of the match today the police have undertaken a major drive against two-wheeler drivers driving without necessary papers. Two SRPF battalions having six platoons have been deployed through out the sensitive area including parts of Laxmi Road and in the jurisdiction of Faraskhana, Cantonment and Kondhwa police station."
Not too amused by the ban are the cricket-crazed fans who think an Indian victory in the semifinals is but befitting a cracker of a celebration.
Not dispirited
Members from the Firecracker Sellers Association members said that the enthusiasts had already informed them that there would be bulk purchase of firecrackers today. "We expect a turnover of around Rs 30 lakh today. Many volunteers working for Ganapati Mandals in the city have already approached us stating that they will contact us after considering the first half of the match to book bulk purchase of firecrackers," said Baba Amrale, president of Sasarsbaug Firecracker Sellers Association. Amrale said no hand of law could dampen the celebratory mood in the city. "I feel it is impossible for the law and order machinery to curb the spontaneous reaction of cricket enthusiasts," said Amrale.
Politicos upset
Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal was the first one to bat for the cricket buffs. "Every one in the city is enthusiastic about today's match. I have spoken to the Commissioner of Police to allow citizens to express their joy by taking lenient approach to cricket enthusiasts bursting firecrackers." Shiv Sena leader Shyam Deshpande said: "Police are doing their job, but there cannot be a ban on firecrackers as it's a right of citizens to burst firecrackers." Ranjeet Shirole, MNS General Secretary, said, "I agree with the law and enforcement machinery in not allowing firecrackers."
(Inputs by Vivek Sabnis and Abid Hasan)
500
Officers to be deployed today
5,000
Constables ready for nakabandi at seven check points
Strict bandobast
A general alert has been sounded off and there will be strict policeu00a0 vigil throughout the city. Ahead of the match today, the police have undertaken a major drive against two-wheeler drivers driving without necessary papers. DCP Rajendra Dahale said, "Two SRPF battalions having six platoons have been deployed in the sensitive areas including parts of Laxmi Road and in the jurisdiction of the Faraskhana, Cantonment and the Kondhwa police station."
He said check points have been installed at all the important locations in the city. There will be two armed men at all the points. Each zone has been provided with additional fifty cops who will be deployed as a striking force. Patrolling will be increased in sensitive areas.u00a0
Voices
Cops should not be allowed to impose a ban. We should be allowed to burst crackers and enjoy the victory of India
-- Rohit Kishore, Working professional
India-Pak match is always like Diwali celebration. And Diwali without crackers is a big no. This is last thing that we can expect from cops
-- Priya Sinha, Working professional
It is unfair that the police have put a ban on bursting of firecrackers in open spaces
-- Shreyas Ranade, MBA student
