In a targeted operation against the illegal trade of dangerous kite-flying strings, the Ludhiana police have apprehended two vendors selling Chinese-made 'manjha'. The crackdown, however, highlights a larger challenge as the primary manufacturers and suppliers behind this hazardous material continue to evade capture.
The Police Operation and Arrests
Acting on specific intelligence, a police team from the Division Number 5 police station conducted raids across several locations in Ludhiana. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals identified as Raju and Sonu. Authorities confiscated a significant quantity of the banned Chinese kite string from their possession.
This enforcement action is part of an ongoing drive to implement a strict ban on the sale and use of Chinese manjha. This particular type of string is notorious for being coated with sharp, abrasive materials like glass or metal. Its non-biodegradable nature and extreme sharpness pose severe threats to birds, animals, and even humans, causing fatal injuries every year during the kite-flying season.
The Elusive Supply Chain
While the street-level vendors have been caught, the police investigation reveals a frustrating roadblock. The main sources of this illicit product—the manufacturers and bulk suppliers—are still operating freely and have managed to avoid arrest so far. This indicates a well-established supply network that funnels the dangerous string into the local markets of Ludhiana and potentially beyond.
Police officials emphasized that the arrested vendors are relatively small players in this dangerous trade. The real culprits, who produce and distribute the material on a large scale, remain at large. The authorities have pledged to intensify their efforts to trace and dismantle the entire supply chain, from the top-level suppliers down to the retailers.
Risks and Legal Consequences
The use of Chinese manjha has led to numerous tragedies, including fatal cuts to two-wheeler riders and severe injuries to birds. In response, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and various state governments, including Punjab, have imposed comprehensive bans on its production, sale, and use.
Those found violating the ban face serious legal repercussions. The police have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in this trade. Selling or using this banned string can lead to arrests under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and environmental protection laws. The public has been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and report any information regarding the storage or sale of Chinese manjha.
The recent arrests in Ludhiana serve as a reminder of the persistent dangers posed by this illegal product. They also underscore the critical need for a concerted effort to target the root of the problem—the manufacturers and distributors who profit from this hazardous trade while endangering lives and the environment.
