Jammu: The government of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is going to act tough against the illegal import and sale of firecrackers/fireworks in view of non-issuance of any license by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DOFF) for such imports.

In this regard, Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam has asked the District administrations and Police department to maintain close vigil and take pro-active preventive and enforcement actions to deal with the entry of foreign-made fireworks through improper channels.

The Chief Secretary issued the directions while chairing a Video Conference meeting of all the District Magistrates(DM)  and  Senior Superintendents of  Police. All the District Magistrates/District SPs were asked to ensure that strict vigil is maintained and all entities associated with the manufacture, stocking, and sale of firecrackers are inspected for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and rules.

The CS asked for prompt detection of illegal stocking/possession/attempted sale of imported firecrackers and dealing with them in an exemplary manner to ensure that the sale of such illegally imported firecrackers does not take place.

He asked for creating mass awareness and eliciting the support of the public in this regard, including by way of obtaining actionable intelligence for being acted upon.

He further stressed that the applicable legal provisions with regard to the manufacture, stocking, sale, and use of firecrackers in general, are strictly complied with.

The Divisional Commissioners and IGPs, Jammu/Kashmir have been asked to furnish regular reports on the matter to the Home Department.