Despite ban, Chinese strings selling in city

Tribune News service

Jammu, August 19

Despite a ban over the sale and purchase of Chinese string, which is used for flying kites, it is still available in the open markets in various parts of the city.

Though hundreds of causalities have been reported every year due to the Chinese string, it is still the most popular one among kite flyers. 

Civil society members and students of various city schools have even taken out awareness rallies from time to time against the use of these "dangerous" and "killer" strings. 

The razor-sharp Chinese string is made of nylon, plastic and synthetics using glass and metal that often cause fatal cuts. People prefer this string over handmade strings as it is more durable. Unlike the cotton thread, it does not break on impact but cuts through the skin. It causes grievous injuries in case it gets stuck around ones neck, head or any other part of the body.

“This string can prove fatal if a person riding a two-wheeler is trapped in it. There are a number of cases reported in Jammu in the past, after which it was banned,” said a shopkeeper at Pacca Danga area of Jammu.

Pacca Danga is a hub of string and kite sellers. Kite flying is a popular activity during Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami in Jammu. Markets are flooded with kites and various kinds of strings. But the Chinese string, which was introduced about a decade ago in Jammu, is the most preferred one among kite flyers despite the many dangers its possess.

“It is easily available in the open market and the police are well aware of it. Anyone can easily buy it from a shop. However, shopkeepers do not display it openly,” said a shopkeeper at Pacca Danga.

Though the administration claims that they are imposing the ban strictly and have seized many bundles of Chinese strings, the causalities itself belies their claims.

“We have not received any official complaint against any shopkeeper, but we will start a drive against these sellers,” said Tejinder Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu.

Still preferred 

• Though hundreds of causalities have been reported every year due to the Chinese string, it is still the most popular one among kite flyers. 
• The razor-sharp Chinese string is made of nylon, plastic and synthetics using glass and metal that often cause fatal cuts. People prefer this string over handmade strings as it is more durable. 
• "We have not received any official complaint against any shopkeeper, but we will start a drive against these sellers," said Tejinder Singh, SSP, Jammu.