In a decisive move to prevent tragic accidents, the Amritsar district administration has launched a stringent crackdown on the sale and use of deadly Chinese kite string, commonly known as 'Chinese manjha'. Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori has made a fervent appeal to the public for active cooperation in eradicating this hazardous material from the city.
Administration Issues Stern Warning and Action Plan
Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori has issued explicit directives to all relevant authorities, including police and municipal officials, to rigorously enforce the existing ban on Chinese manjha. This synthetic string, often coated with glass or metal particles for sharpness, has been responsible for numerous severe injuries and even deaths across the country, particularly during kite-flying festivals.
The administration's action is not merely a seasonal measure but a sustained campaign. Officials have been instructed to conduct frequent and surprise raids at shops and godowns suspected of stocking the illegal string. Any person found selling, storing, or using this banned material will face strict legal consequences under relevant sections of the law.
Public Role Crucial for Success of Ban
Recognizing that enforcement alone cannot succeed without civic participation, DC Thori has directly reached out to Amritsar's residents. He has urged citizens to become the "eyes and ears" of the administration by immediately reporting any information regarding the sale or use of Chinese manjha.
The public can report violations through official channels, including the district control room and local police stations. This community-led vigilance is considered paramount to identifying and shutting down clandestine supply chains that operate in narrow lanes and hidden markets. The administration has assured complete confidentiality for informants.
A Matter of Life and Death
The crackdown is driven by grave safety concerns. Chinese manjha poses a lethal threat not only to kite fliers but also to unsuspecting pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and birds. Its razor-sharp quality can cause deep cuts, leading to fatal accidents, especially when it comes in contact with the neck of a two-wheeler rider or a pedestrian.
Past incidents during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Independence Day have resulted in tragic losses of life, prompting courts and governments to repeatedly ban its manufacture and sale. The Amritsar administration's current drive aims to prevent such tragedies before they occur, emphasizing prevention over prosecution.
The Deputy Commissioner's appeal also extends to parents and community leaders, asking them to educate children and young adults about the dangers of using such hazardous strings. He advocates for the use of traditional, safer cotton strings for the cultural and recreational activity of kite flying, ensuring that joy does not turn into mourning.
This proactive stance by the Amritsar district administration underscores a commitment to public safety. It combines regulatory action with a call for collective social responsibility, aiming to make the skies of Amritsar safer for everyone.
