The use of Chinese-manufactured kite strings, commonly known as “Chinese manja,” continues to pose serious risks across India despite administrative and legal restrictions. In Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Sameer Hashmi, a practicing physician, was fatally injured when his neck was slashed by a Chinese manja while riding his bike near Prasad International School. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Similar incidents have been reported across Telangana and Rajasthan. In Hyderabad, a four-year-old child survived after twenty cuts from manja; another man riding a bike near Ambarpete Flyover suffered severe neck injuries. An on-duty ASI in Nallakunta was also critically injured when manja cut his neck. In Sirohi, Rajasthan, a seven-month-old infant sustained a nearly four-inch neck injury due to a Chinese manja, requiring immediate transfer to a trauma center. Chinese manja is coated with powdered glass and metallic compounds, making it extremely hazardous to humans and birds alike. Even electric currents can make it lethal. Authorities continue to warn citizens about its dangers, highlighting a string of fatal and near-fatal incidents nationwide. The recurring tragedies underline the urgent need for strict enforcement of bans, public awareness, and caution during kite-flying activities to prevent further loss of life.
