Dimapur councils lash out with warning at use of fire crackers

• Won’t let “empty headed nuts” destroy citizen’s health  • Won’t let “empty headed nuts” destroy citizen’s health  • ‘Time public recognize dangers and put stop to this nuisance’ • Colony chairmen, leaders told to check firecrackers  • NSCN (IM) asked to take action against firecracker sellers in line with ban notice  Dimapur, Dec. 21 (EMN): An infuriated Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has strongly warned against the use of firecrackers in urban Dimapur especially now that the festive season is here. The council has declared that it is time for citizens to put an end to the health hazard and noise pollution once and for all—and stop celebrating Christmas ‘like pagans.’ The council’s media cell issued a press release to the media on Thur. reminding citizens in Dimapur that firecrackers were destroying the health of the people and the environment. The organisation has pointed to the dangers of the toxins and chemicals released by firecrackers, and the respiratory and nervous disorders that affect pregnant women and children particularly. “Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation is totally against bursting of crackers within Dimapur urban area, especially during festive seasons,” the organisation’s media cell stated. ‘It is a known fact that different hazardous chemicals are used in manufacturing crackers, these chemicals are harmful to our health and environment.’ The toxins released by crackers, the federation reminded, has adverse health hazards effecting more on people with heart problems, respiratory and nervous system disorders, pregnant women and children. The organisation had this word for people who are destroying other people’s peace, sleep and health: “The toxins pollutes air and water. When People spends so much on medical and health care and with all the awareness campaign on environmental protection, it’s high time that we commit ourselves to avoid doing that which is harmful to all of us. We must not let some empty headed nuts jeopardize everybody’s health. Its time to put a stop to this nuisance.” ‘Curb firecracker suppliers, sellers’ Also, the federation has appreciated the NSCN (IM) for banning crackers and hoped that the armed group’s authority would take “proper deterrent action against the source (suppliers and sellers) of crackers.” A follow-up action ‘as per the press notice,’ the federation stated, is expected and ‘will be applauded.’ The organisation has also asked community leaders to check firecrackers in their respective area. ‘At the same time the federation informs all the colony councils and chairmen to check crackers in their respective jurisdiction,’ the press release stated. ‘Christians, not pagans’ ‘Christmas is not about bursting crackers, it’s about receiving the Saviour in our hearts. We should stop celebrating as pagans,’ the press statement stated. The federation has conveyed warm Christmas greetings to all the citizens and people. “May the New Year bring good governance and judicious development,” the statement added.