Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strict stand following recent deaths caused by Chinese manja (glass-coated kite string) in the state. He has ordered a complete ban on its sale and use and directed that any death caused by Chinese manja be treated as a case of murder.
During a special meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister instructed senior police officials to conduct an intensive investigation into deaths caused by Chinese manja. He ordered that sellers of the banned string be identified, held guilty, and booked under murder charges. CM Adityanath also directed the police to launch statewide raids to stop the illegal sale.
Noting that Chinese manja is already banned in Uttar Pradesh following directions from the Supreme Court and High Court, the Chief Minister questioned how it continues to be manufactured, sold, and used. He expressed serious concern over recent incidents in which several people lost their lives after being injured by the dangerous string.
The Chief Minister instructed the Director General of Police to run a statewide enforcement campaign and said that the action taken would be reviewed at the highest level. He emphasised that the entire operation against Chinese manja would be closely monitored.
CM Adityanath’s strict directives came in the wake of a recent incident in Lucknow where a youth died after being injured by Chinese manja. Despite the existing ban, its continued use has led to repeated fatal accidents.
Reiterating his stance, the Chief Minister said there would be zero tolerance for violations and that anyone responsible for deaths caused by Chinese manja would face the strictest legal action.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Lucknow police raided several kite shops in the old city areas and were checking the manja being sold there.