A Vasai resident sustained injuries on Sunday after being cut on the neck by a dangerous Chinese kite string. The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he received nine stitches.
In a similar incident in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday morning, a 28-year-old police constable, Shahrukh Khan, lost his life when a Chinese kite string became entangled around his neck in the Kotwali area of Shahjahanpur district. Shahrukh Hasan, a resident of Amroha district who was posted at the Shahjahanpur Police Lines, was on his way to duty when he encountered the deadly string in the Azizganj area of the Chowk police station jurisdiction.
These incidents have prompted authorities and animal rights activists to emphasize the dangers of using banned nylon and glass-coated string, commonly known as Chinese manja. These chinese kite strings, often produced locally in Mumbai and other parts of India, pose serious risks to both humans and animals.
Illegal Sale of Chinese Manja
In the past, Chinese string has claimed many lives. These strings are extremely sharp and can cause severe injuries, even leading to death. While many states have banned the use of Chinese manja, its sale continues unabated.
Mumbai Police Issues Advisory
The National Green Tribunal’s 2017 ban on Chinese string has had limited impact, as its sale and use continue in many regions. In response, Mumbai police have issued an advisory banning the production, storage, sale, and use of nylon manja, effective from January 11 to February 9. Violators will face fines of up to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment for up to a year, as per Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
Urgent Need for Ban on Chinese manja
Despite these efforts, the illegal use of Chinese string remains widespread, posing a significant threat to public safety. Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director of Humane Society International/India, stressed the urgent need for stricter enforcement to prevent accidents that turn celebrations into deadly events for both humans and wildlife. “We urge citizens to celebrate a compassionate Makar Sankranti by avoiding harmful kite strings,” she added. Authorities remain committed to taking stringent action against those violating the ban, underscoring the importance of safety and animal welfare during the festival.
