India, Oct. 24 -- The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale, purchase, and manufacturing of calcium carbide guns used as firecrackers after nearly 300 people suffered sight-threatening eye injuries across the state during Diwali festivities.

Deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla directed district administrations to seize the existing stock and halt the sale and production of calcium carbide guns. Administrations in Bhopal, Vidisha, and Gwalior issued orders complying with the directions late Thursday to enforce the ban.

Shukla, who met two patients undergoing treatment for eye injuries at Bhopal's Hamidia hospital on Friday, promised strict action against the sellers, manufacturers, and users of the calcium carbide guns. He adde...