Pakistanis Fly Kites Despite Ban

Hundreds of people here defied a ban on flying kites, dotting the sky with color to mark the beginning of a traditional two-day spring festival called Basant.

Police raided homes where kites were seen flying from backyards and roofs. Some kite fliers cut their strings as police approached and denied that they had defied the ban, witnesses said.

The Punjab government issued the province-wide ban Thursday after seven people died when they were slashed by kite strings that had been reinforced with wire or ground glass for duels with other kites.

In the congested sky, many kite fliers engage in a contest, maneuvering to cut opponents’ kite strings to win.

Chaudhary Pervez Elahi, the province’s top elected official, vowed that no kite-flying would be tolerated.

“We took a decision to impose the ban on kite-flying because we don’t want to see people dying,” Elahi said. “Dangerous strings have killed innocent children here and we cannot tolerate it.”

Police spokesman Nayab Haider said 44 people had been detained for flying kites, and “more arrests are being made.”

Dozens also were arrested Friday for flying or selling kites.

Police have arrested more than 1,100 people since March 5 for selling or manufacturing glass- and chemical-coated kite string.

The Basant festival has been celebrated in Lahore, capital of Punjab province, for centuries with thousands of kites soaring into the night and with boisterous rooftop parties. Basant means “yellow,” a reference to the fields of blooming yellow flowers that grace the area as spring approaches.