India, Oct. 24 -- The Pune city police have banned traditional strings of joined firecrackers, commonly known as laris, and firecrackers wrapped in strings and sold as 'atom bombs' during Diwali. The police have also prohibited bursting sound-emitting crackers between 10pm and 6am and barred using firecrackers on public roads.

The restrictions were announced in an order issued by additional commissioner of police (administration) Sanjay Patil on Friday, laying down rules for the sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season.

Under the order, the sale, possession and bursting of 'atom bombs' are prohibited. The ban on laris covers strings of multiple crackers designed to explode in quick succession. The restrictions aim to regul...