Guwahati, Nov. 9 -- Two Kuki community organisations have jointly appealed to residents across several districts of Manipur to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers on November 9, citing security concerns, the psychological impact of recent violence and potential health and fire hazards.

The Kuki Youth Organization (KYO) of Leimakhong Block and the United Kuki Youth Council (UKYC) of Churachandpur urged people to avoid bursting firecrackers, clarifying that the appeal was intended to protect vulnerable residents rather than restrict the festival celebrations.

The organisations warned that sudden explosions could be mistaken for gunfire or bomb blasts, triggering panic in areas still recovering from violence and displacement.

The two or...