LAHORE, July 2: Police claimed to have arrested seven people for violating the ban on kite-flying on Wednesday.

The police made a similar claim on Tuesday but they could not name the people arrested for violationg the ban.

Though most of main outlets and business centres in dealing in kite and string remained closed in the walled city on Wednesday, kite-sellers in various parts of the city kept their shops open.

“How can we close our businesses?” asked a shopkeeper, Ghulam Ali.

How can police enter every house and manufacturing centres? asked an SP, who requested anonymity.

“We are just completing formality.”

Kite flying has been banned initially for three months by the city district government in view of the increasing deaths in accidents.

“Over two dozen people have been killed by string-related accidents in first six months of this year,” a city government spokesman said.

He said a committee had been set up at the city government office to invite suggestions to redefine the rules and regulations of the game.

He said violators would be liable to be punished for six months to three years under Section 144 CrPC and local government ordinance passed by the Punjab governor last year.

“Police will not ensure implementation of the ban. They will make money,” another shopkeeper, who did not disclose his name despite insistence, said.