Lahore: Mini-Basant tradition lives on

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Kite flyers slam use of chemical string

LAHORE: As per the spring traditions of the province, kite flyers across the city celebrated Mini-Basant on Sunday and enthusiasts were seen flying kites in various localities.

Although the skies were not as colourful as they were last Sunday, the government failed in implementing the ban imposed on kite flying after Basant. Residents of Township, Iqbal Town, Rehmanpura, Mozang, Gulberg and the Walled City enjoyed the sport.Meanwhile, kite gatherers were seen chasing kites on roads and streets. The weather remained most suitable for kite flying with strong winds and cloudy skies, which further encouraged people to fly kites. No fatal or severe injuries were reported in the city. Citizens indulging in kite flying said the government should formulate a strategy to allow the people to celebrate Basant by flying kites without imposition of bans or other restrictions.

Chemical string: “There should be strict punishment for those using chemical string. Kite flying could be revived only if the government could regulate string,” said Shahzad Butt, a kite flyer in Rehmanpura.

Kite Flying Association General Secretary Saleem Sheikh also recommended stern action against the users of chemical string. “Our business of kite and string preparation has been adversely affected due to the ban, the use of chemical string has caused the loss of several lives in the past,” he said. “The introduction of chemical string has made it lethal,” he concluded.

Sheryaar Khan Bhatti, a kite seller, reported those associated with the business of selling kites had gone underground to avoid confiscation of their kites. He said they were selling kites illegally and were likely to continue catering to the citizens’ demands unless the police intervened. He said he expected the sales to increase by next Sunday due the casual attitude of the police.

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