Chandigarh, February 9 The Haryana Police stated on Monday that strict action will be taken against those found selling, storing, or using banned "Chinese manjha" (kite strings), which often cause fatal accidents.
The string, made of nylon or synthetic thread and coated with powdered glass and metal dust, was previously banned by the Haryana government, which prohibited the production, storage, sale, supply, import, and use of Chinese manjha across the state.
Under the directions of Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal, strict compliance of this ban is being ensured across the state, officials said.
DGP Singhal said that Chinese manjha poses a serious threat to human life, animals, birds, and the environment. Incidents of road accidents, fatal injuries, and deaths of birds have been reported due to its use.
He said that the Haryana Police is taking stringent action in this regard, with public safety being the priority.
"Strict action will be taken against those found selling, storing, or using the banned Chinese manjha," he said.
The DGP appealed to citizens to use only ordinary cotton thread for kite flying and to immediately inform the police if the sale or use of Chinese manjha is noticed anywhere, so that untoward incidents can be prevented.
"Only simple cotton thread is permitted for kite flying, which must be free from any glass, metal, chemical coating, or thread-strengthening material," he said.
Singhal said that all police commissioners, superintendents of police, range officers, and station house officers have been directed to maintain strict vigilance in their respective areas, take firm legal action against sellers and users of the prohibited string, and conduct regular inspections and confiscation drives in markets.
The Haryana Police also said that, in addition, efforts are being made to organize awareness activities from time to time in markets, schools, educational institutions, and at the community level regarding the dangers of Chinese manjha, to enhance public awareness.
It has appealed to the public to adopt safe kite flying practices and comply with the law to contribute towards building a safer society.
