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Despite ban, kids burst firecrackers on streets

SHARJAH/AJMAN — Despite the intensified inspection campaigns carried out by the Sharjah and Ajman Police departments and municipalities to prevent shops from selling fire crackers, a number of children were seen lighting sparklers and bursting crackers on the streets of the two emirates during Diwali and Eid Al Fitr.

Some of them could also be seen bursting crackers in parking lots and shopping areas in clear violation of municipalities' regulations that prohibit the sale of fireworks to children during Eid.

A number of groceries and small shops in both the emirates, according to sources, sold fireworks during the festive days despite the ban.

Yahya Al Rayayas, Head of the Trade Licence section of the Ajman Municipality, said during Ramadan, the civic body in coordination with the police was working hard to prevent shops from selling fire crackers.

A senior official from Ajman Police said, "The police and the municipality had fined and warned several small shops for selling fire crackers. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children." Fire crackers were reportedly smuggled into the emirates in large quantities from outside and then sold illegally. The official warned that anyone caught selling fireworks illegally would be penalised and the goods confiscated.

He urged people, particularly parents, to cooperate with the police. “Fireworks pose a serious danger to children."

A Sharjah Police official said security had been beefed up during Eid Al Fitr. "Patrols and traffic teams were deployed at intersections and crowded areas." Dr Abdull Karim, Head of the Emergency Section of Khalifa Hospital, said no one had been admitted with burns since the beginning of Ramadan.

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