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Kite flying is a beloved tradition in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, but lately, it has taken a dark and dangerous turn. Following a heartbreaking incident in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a massive, state-wide crackdown on the sale and use of "Chinese Manjha"—the glass-coated, synthetic string that has become a silent killer on our streets.

The Tragedy That Changed Everything

The urgency behind this crackdown comes after a tragic accident on Lucknow's Haiderganj flyover. A young man named Shoaib, an MR by profession, lost his life when his throat was slit by a stray piece of Chinese manjha while he was riding his bike. The incident sent shockwaves through the city and reached the ears of the CM, who didn't mince words: from now on, any death caused by this prohibited string will be treated as a murder case.

Police in Action

Within hours of the CM's instructions, UP Police were on the ground. Led by DCP West Vishwajit Srivastava, teams conducted lightning raids across Old Lucknow, including areas like Kashmiri Mohalla. Officers were seen inspecting kite shops, checking stocks, and giving stern warnings to shopkeepers.

The message is clear: even storing this manjha is a crime. Police are not just looking for sellers but are also urging the public to report anyone using these dangerous threads.

Why is Chinese Manjha so Dangerous?

Unlike traditional cotton thread, Chinese manjha is made of metallic or synthetic materials coated with crushed glass. It doesn't break easily, making it lethal for birds, animals, and humans alike. In another recent case, a police sub-inspector was severely injured, requiring 18 stitches after being snagged by a stray wire.

A Community Effort

While the police are doing their part with raids and warnings, officials are appealing to parents and youngsters to stick to the traditional "Saddi" (cotton thread). The joy of a kite battle isn't worth a human life. If you see someone selling or using this deadly string, the police want you to speak up—because the next victim could be anyone.


Read More: CM Yogi’s War on Chinese Manjha Why Selling This String Could Now Land You a Murder Charge