Police ban firecrackers in province

POLICE in Southern Highlands are banning the use of firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Provincial police commander Chief Supt Martin Lakari said firecrackers were dangerous and could kill people if used by people who did not know how to use them.
Lakari said only trained people should handle firecrackers.
“On Wednesday night, those of us in Mendi town didn’t sleep well,” he said.
“There were firecrackers everywhere – like planes dropping bombs here and there and disturbing our sleep.”
Lakari said some shops owned by Asians selling firecrackers were only interested in making money during this festive season and ignoring the danger it could have on the lives of people or the users.
“I am appealing to the people living in Mendi town and in the district to refrain from using it.
“If you get yourself killed, injured or set a building on fire, who are you going to blame?”
Lakari said if deaths occurred, injuries sustained or buildings set on fire from firecrackers, it would be hard to blame anyone.
“The use of firecrackers is very dangerous and I do not want anyone to use it,” he said.
Lakari said police would arrest anyone using firecrackers at night and causing disturbance.
“All of us want to celebrate the Christmas and New Year peacefully and safely,” he said.
“We must be mindful of the danger we take when we use something we are not familiar with or never used before.”
Lakari said police would continue normal festive operations.