KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged one and all to celebrate the Yama Panchak (Tihar) festival carrying national cultural identity and dignity, in a disciplined, dignified, civilized and frugal manner.

Requesting for marking the festival with the promotion of mutual goodwill, cooperation and friendship by abandoning enmity and bitterness, the Ministry warned of action as per the law in case of indecent activities (in course of celebrating the festival).

In a press release it issued today, the Home Ministry has urged the people to organize the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programs during the Tihar festival abiding the time period and the process specified by the local administration, taking the programmes purely as entertainment.

It also appealed for following the various programs that have been brought by the government keeping the campaign to ban narcotics substances and alcohol in high priority.

“We request one and all not to produce, sing, broadcast, sell and distribute songs and music as well as audio-visual materials likely to have a harmful impact on society by undermining Nepali language, religion, culture and civilization,” Home Ministry spokesman Ram Krishna Subedi stated in a press release he issued today.

The Ministry has stated that its subordinate bodies have been directed to make arrangements for taking action as per the law against anyone found indulging in such activities.

It has said its subordinate bodies have been mobilized 24 hours for the easy and convenient movement of passengers and for maintaining the law and order, and for ensuring the availability of quality food grain and consumables at a fair price during the Yamapanchak Tihar.

The Ministry stated that special security plans focussed on districts have been prepared and enforced, and also urged all including transport entrepreneurs, media persons, among various sectors to provide service in this regard from their respective places under their social responsibility.

Ban on use, import and production of firecrackers

The Home Ministry said the detonation, import and production of firecracker during festivals has been completely banned and such an act is punishable by law.

The use of firecracker is capable of causing an adverse impact on people’s health and security as well, it may generate fire injuring people and causing loss of life and property, according to the Ministry. It has sought the complete abidance of the provision by all.

General people have been urged to inform the nearby security body in case of any complaint or the occurrence of any unlawful activity. It is said any untoward activity for inappropriate benefit will come under the surveillance.

Any sorts of illegal activities such as swindling, violation of the law, use of drugs, and sale of the banned beverages are punishable as per the laws.