Lucknow, February 9 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to children to avoid using Chinese "manjha" while flying kites, and also to avoid excessive use of mobile phones, saying both pose serious risks to safety and health.
Sharing a letter addressed to children on his official X handle, he said, "The safety, good health, and success of children are among the top priorities of his government."
Adityanath said that with many incidents of Chinese manjha (kite string) claiming lives, children must avoid it.
"Everyone likes to see a kite flying high in the sky. You too must enjoy flying kites, but you must completely avoid Chinese manjha," Adityanath said in the letter.
He said that the use of sharp Chinese manjha is a punishable offense under the law, and its use, sale, and storage are completely banned across the state.
In view of the loss of life and injuries caused by it, a special campaign is being run throughout Uttar Pradesh, he added.
The chief minister urged children to cooperate with the campaign by not using Chinese manjha themselves and also making their friends aware about its dangers.
Adityanath also cautioned children against excessive use of mobile phones, saying that games and reels steal their valuable time.
Prolonged use of mobile phones for gaming and watching reels weakens eyesight, affects concentration, and has an adverse impact on physical and mental health, he said.
He advised children to befriend books instead of mobile phones, spend time with family, play outdoor games, and focus on studies, calling these habits far more beneficial.
Wishing students success in the upcoming examinations, the chief minister asked them to enter the examination hall with full confidence, read the question paper carefully, and maintain discipline in their efforts.
He also advised them to stay away from negative thoughts.