SWABI, Nov 8: Welfare bodies have demanded a complete ban on firecrackers and action against traders selling them in spite of public protest.

At a joint meeting held here on Monday, leaders of different NGOs said that the local administration had done nothing except paying lip-service to the issue which posed a threat to children's lives.

Last year, firecrackers had injured six children in different areas, they recalled.

They said firecrackers spread noise pollution, with youngsters getting increasingly involved in this activity as Eidul Fitr drew near.

They said it was the responsibility of the government to take action against those who violated the law.

It was the negligence on the part of police which encouraged traders to sell firecrackers without fear, they said.

They expressed suspicion that police might be in cahoots with the traders who sold these banned items with impunity.

They said they had started a campaign against the trend of setting off firecrackers, educating people and youngsters about its negative effects.

With the approach of Eid, the selling of these items has reached a new peak.

They lamented that youngsters set off firecrackers even during the prayer times.