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Ras Al Khaimah: Police here have seized huge quantities of firecrackers in a major campaign in the wake of complaints from families that their children are being victimised by greedy traders.
Several families said although they have taken all the necessary measures to ensure that their children stay away from firecrackers, they later came to know that was not the case. During Ramadan children go out to meet their friends from Iftar till after the Taraweeh, during which their only amusement is burning firecrackers.
Gassan Jaber, a Jordanian resident, said that he was shocked to find his son spending his pocket money on buying firecrackers. The child and his friends buy the crackers from a van which they claimed to pass by them and offer them several types of the crackers.
Jaber said he has spoken to his child and his friends to find that such vans pass through various areas of the emirate to sell their products. He added that he has discussed the matter with the parents of his son's friends who supported him to report the case to the police.
Jaber said children have their own resources to get the firecrackers, advising the parents never to trust their children in this matter.
"Even if your child promises you never to touch it, he will never stand up to his promising," he said, adding the fire crackers, which look like real bombs, are very tempting and relatively cheap. Children enjoy lighting the firecrackers and the noise on the explosions they create, he said.
The time after Iftar, and during the Eid Al Fitr holidays, children buy the firecrackers in huge quantities.
Jaber said money youngsters of various age groups get from their families during Ramadan and at the time of the Eid is more than usual, which can easily land in the pockets of the cracker traders.
Informants keep vigil
A senior police officer said that the police are aware of the spread of the firecrackers in the emirate. He stressed that the authorities are exerting all efforts to end the menace.
Ras Al Khaimah police has planted informants in the residential areas to collect information on the sources of firecrackers.
He said police now have information on several sources who are expected to be arrested very soon.
Have you ever been involved in an accident caused by firecrackers? Should people be provided with a designated area to ensure other residents are not disturbed? Would you welcome the concept of noise-free firecrackers? Fill in the form bellow to send your comment.
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