Firecrackers burst across Dimapur before permitted hours, raising questions over compliance with police restrictions
DIMAPUR — Firecrackers were burst across several parts of Dimapur hours before the permitted time on Sunday evening, raising questions over compliance with restrictions imposed by the police ahead of the festive season.
The police advisory, issued ahead of the festive season, allows only PESO-approved green, improved or other permitted reduced-emission crackers and restricts their use to 8 pm–10 pm on Diwali and other specified festivals. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the permitted window is from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am.
It also prohibits joined firecrackers, including series crackers or laris, fireworks containing hazardous chemicals and those exceeding prescribed noise limits. Bursting fireworks within 100 metres of hospitals, healthcare centres, educational institutions, courts and religious places is also prohibited.
Read more: Dimapur Police restricts firecracker use
However, firecrackers were heard across several localities well before the permitted window began, with repeated bursts and flashes lighting up the night sky. The early use of fireworks raised questions over public compliance with the restrictions and the effectiveness of their enforcement.
The advisory, issued by Commissioner of Police Aotula T Imchen, applies to Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts. It directs officers-in-charge of police stations to ensure proactive monitoring, conduct regular market inspections and enforce the restrictions. Violators have been warned of penalties under applicable laws.
The advisory also bars e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces from processing orders for or delivering firecrackers within the three districts.
Only licensed traders are permitted to sell approved crackers. Residents have also been encouraged to opt for organised community displays at designated open grounds to minimise individual bursting in congested neighbourhoods.
The Kuda Village Council had earlier appealed for a district-wide ban, citing the impact of firecrackers on senior citizens, infants, children, sick people and animals, besides noise and air pollution. In December 2025, it had urged the Dimapur administration to prohibit firecrackers during festivals across the district.