Chinese Manjha Claims Two Lives in Ludhiana District Within 24 Hours
In a devastating series of events, the banned Chinese manjha kite string has claimed two lives in Ludhiana district, Punjab, within a span of just 24 hours. The deadly string, known for its sharp and non-biodegradable nature, has once again proven fatal, leaving a community in mourning and authorities scrambling for solutions.
Teenager Succumbs to Injuries After Scooter Accident
The first tragedy struck on Saturday in Samrala, located approximately 35 kilometers from Ludhiana city. Taranjot Singh, a 15-year-old boy, was returning from school on a scooter with his cousin, Prabhjot, when their necks were slit by the invisible and lethal Chinese manjha hanging in the air. The sudden and violent impact left both victims with severe injuries.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Taranjot could not be saved and tragically passed away. His cousin, Prabhjot, remains in a critical condition, fighting for his life. This incident immediately triggered widespread outrage among local residents, who demanded immediate action against the sale and use of the banned kite string.
Married Woman Dies in Similar Incident in Mullanpur
In a heartbreaking follow-up incident on Sunday evening, Sarabjit Kaur, a married woman, met a similar fate in Mullanpur town, about 15 kilometers from Ludhiana. She was driving a scooter when the banned kite string wrapped around her throat, cutting deep into her neck. Due to the fading light, the nearly invisible string went unnoticed until it was too late.
Sarabjit collapsed on the road, bleeding profusely from her neck wounds. Passersby quickly came to her aid, placing her in a car and rushing her to the hospital. However, she succumbed to her injuries and bled to death before reaching medical help. She is survived by her two-year-old child and her husband, leaving behind a grieving family.
Police Response and Growing Concerns
Dakha DSP Varinder Singh Khosa confirmed that Sarabjit's death was caused by what is locally referred to as 'China dor' or Chinese string. He assured that action would be taken after recording statements from her family members. However, this assurance comes amidst growing frustration over the continued availability and use of the banned material.
In Mullanpur town alone, this season has seen at least four individuals injured by Chinese manjha, including an eight-year-old child and his father. These incidents highlight the persistent danger posed by the kite string, despite repeated bans and warnings.
Community Outrage and Calls for Stricter Enforcement
The back-to-back tragedies have reignited calls for stricter enforcement of the ban on Chinese manjha. Local residents and activists are urging authorities to take more decisive action to prevent its sale and distribution. The police have promised to intensify efforts, but many in the community remain skeptical, citing previous assurances that have yielded little change.
The loss of young Taranjot and Sarabjit Kaur serves as a grim reminder of the lethal consequences of using banned kite strings. As the community mourns, there is a renewed push for awareness campaigns and harsher penalties to curb this deadly trend and prevent further loss of life in Ludhiana and beyond.
