Dist admn bans Chinese kite string

Patiala, September 23

Ahead of the festival season, the district administration has decided to impose a ban on the sale of Chinese kite string (manja).

District Magistrate (DM) Kumar Amit has ordered an inspection to check the sale of Chinese ‘manja’ in the city. He has issued a prohibitory order on the sale and storage of the same. The traditional sport of kite flying has turned into a menace with many being killed due to the strings.

A Chinese import, sturdy kite string coated with glass or metal to make it sharper has gained a strong footing in the Indian market as it is cheap and efficient in the sport which involves cutting of strings of opponents’ kites.

Last year, two toddlers and a man were killed in separate incidents after getting entangled in the sharp string in Delhi. Another man had lost life in a same manner.

The DM has deputed officials to inspect shops selling strings to ensure that the order was being complied with. Only string made of cotton thread and natural fibre are permitted for flying kites, as stated in the notification for the ban. — TNS