The practice of celebratory firings, where men fire shots in the air at weddings and birthday parties, is common in north India, especially in Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. According to police data, celebratory firings in Bihar claimed 19 lives just between January and November this year, besides leaving over 35 injured. In 2022, 99 incidents of celebratory firings claimed eight lives and left 36 injured. “Celebratory firings are a status symbol.”The police say three rounds were fired on stage that night. The police say celebratory firings take place irrespective of the communities to which the men belong.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 23, 2023 02:33 UTC