Deaths lead to Pakistan kite-flying ban

(LaHore, Pakistan-AP) March 10, 2006 - Kite-flying has become a deadly pastime in eastern Pakistan. So now, it's illegal.

In the past two weeks, seven people in Lahore have been killed by kite strings reinforced with wire or glass. The latest victim was a four-year-old boy whose throat was slit by a glass-coated string.

Because of that, authorities in the Lahore region are banning kites. The edict comes as the city prepares for a weekend festival that normally brings out thousands of kites.

The kites become dangerous when people reinforce the strings with wire or ground glass to duel other kites. When kite strings cross, the winner cuts loose the opponent's kite.

Police are promising to enforce the ban. They say they've arrested 74 people on Friday for flying or selling kites.

They say more than a thousand have been arrested this month for selling or making dangerous kite strings.

Posted 3:04pm by Bryce Mursch