Authorities in Melut County of Upper Nile State have deployed security forces to provide protection and enforce a ban on firing into the air during the New Year celebrations.
Firing guns into the air is widely practiced as part of the events to mark a new year and other celebrations in the country.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Lt Colonel Akol Chir Akol, the county police inspector, said necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of civilians and their properties on the eve of 2021.
“As police, we are jointly patrolling the county with other members of security forces to provide protection. As usual, shooting into the air is common during major events like this. But in Melut, we banned firing into the air because we want peaceful celebrations, just like it was during Christmas,” Col. Akol said.
The police officer pointed out that those found in defiance of the ban will be punished.
Chol Lual, the acting county commissioner, assured Melut residents of safety but urged the locals to abide by the ban by avoiding celebratory gunfire.