1 held for possession of gelatine sticks

Aizawl, December 28, Zonet: Government offices and banks reopened on Monday after five days of Christmas holidays here in the state capital even as officials try to enforce a free cracker New Year celebrations.

However, the attendance was still thin in government offices while banks were back to normal business. The last office day for 2009 is December 29 and government offices will reopen only on January 4, 2010.

Reports coming from other districts said that offices and banks have reopened but with thin attendance. The three District Councils in South Mizoram also continued to enjoy Christmas holidays.

Meanwhile, officials in all the districts are gearing up to enforce prohibition of cracker and other fireworks during celebration of the coming New Year.

According to police sources, the District SPs and various voluntary organisations have already drawn up their operation schedule to prevent unnecessary use of crackers. Anyone who violates the order of District Magistrates will be arrested and booked under relevant section of the law.

In Kolasib, police arrested Lalramenga of Rengtekawn, for possession of 3 sticks of gelatine along with the fuse wire and caps. A case has been registered against him. And in Saiha, voluntary organisations and the District Police who continued their search for clandestine sale of crackers and other fire works seized a few quantity of crackers on Sunday.