NAWABSHAH, Feb 27: In the absence of implementation of relevant laws, aerial firing and display of arms have become a routine in the city and adjoining areas.

Display of heavy and prohibited bore arms as well as resorting to aerial firing are commonly being witnessed in almost all ceremonies held on the occasion of marriage, child birth and circumcision and also on the occasion of Eid, elections, political rallies, new year and protest demonstrations.

Such activity does not only spreads harassment and fear in the society but also a number of people, including innocent children, have fallen prey of stray bullets or received serious injuries and a number of important installations, including electricity and telecommunication wires were damaged or disturbed in the incident.

The practice also creates serious troubles for heart and other seriously-ill patients at home besides women and children.

The concerned departments have not fulfilled their responsibilities to make aware the people of repercussions of such activities and even sometimes the practice continues in presence of police.

The police department has failed to take any action against such people who not only display heavy arms during rallies, political meetings and ceremonies, but also resort to aerial firing.

Legal expert Ali Mohammed Dahiri, former vice chairman of the Sindh Bar Council, said that it is a serious offence and had spread panic, harassment and fear among the people and no one was ready to register a case against it so the practice had been continuing.

He further said that display of arms or resorting to aerial firing was an act of terrorism and the case, if lodged, would be heard in the Anti-Terrorism Court.

Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, general secretary District Bar Association, Shaheed Benazirabad, said that if there was any ban due to the imposition of section 144 CrPC, police must take action. However, normally carrying of licensed weapon was not a crime.

A number of legal experts were of the view that section 337 H-2 of PPC which states: “Whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of other, shall be punished with imprisonment of either- description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both” was applicable on such acts.

DCO Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamal Mustafa Syed, was of the view that the whole responsibility was on the shoulders of police to stop such acts and take action.

DPO Mohammed Younus Chandio agreed that police was responsible for taking action and area SHO should not only remain vigilant but also register a case against such incidents. He said that in majority of cases, affected people do not agree to go for an FIR, however, police still had a provision to register the case on behalf of state if the offence is cognizable.

“The practice was not checked effectively” he said and added that he had issued strict directives to all the SHOs to keep an eye on such activities and do not waste time in registering a case.

The Community Development department or other non-governmental organisations have also not played their due role in sensitising the people over the issue.

The government should take notice of such activities which were becoming a tradition of the society and could harm the lives and properties of innocent citizens.