Six-Year-Old Girl Seriously Injured by Banned Chinese Manjha in Lucknow
A six-year-old girl, Abeera, was severely injured after coming into contact with banned Chinese manjha, a glass-coated kite string, in the Wazirganj area of Lucknow on Sunday afternoon. This alarming incident underscores the persistent danger posed by this hazardous material, which continues to be used despite strict restrictions.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around 3 pm near Jagat Narayan Road at Golaganj crossing. Abeera was traveling on a motorcycle with her father, Khalil Ahmad, when a stray kite string suddenly got entangled around her neck. Before her father could stop the bike, the sharp string caused deep cuts, resulting in severe injuries to her neck and one finger.
The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors administered 10 stitches to control the profuse bleeding. After receiving treatment, she was discharged and is reported to be in stable condition, though the trauma of the event remains a concern for her family.
Rising Concerns Over Chinese Manjha Use
This marks the 18th such incident reported in Lucknow over the past 45 days, highlighting a troubling trend of continued use of Chinese manjha despite official bans. Authorities have repeatedly warned against this material due to its sharp, synthetic coating, which can cause life-threatening injuries to pedestrians, bikers, and even animals.
Khalil Ahmad, a resident near Kaiserbagh's Odeon Cinema area, expressed outrage and demanded strict action against those using the banned kite string. "Flying kites with Chinese manjha is extremely dangerous and poses a direct threat to life. Those responsible should be identified and sent to jail," he stated, echoing the sentiments of many affected families.
Police Response and Safety Measures
Police officials have confirmed that action is being taken against individuals found using prohibited manja. However, in this specific case, no formal complaint has been lodged so far, which may hinder immediate legal proceedings. The lack of complaints often stems from the difficulty in identifying the perpetrators, as kite flying can occur from rooftops or hidden locations.
To combat this issue, authorities are intensifying efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of Chinese manjha and enforce existing regulations. Community patrols and stricter monitoring during kite-flying seasons are being considered to prevent further accidents.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The repeated incidents in Lucknow serve as a stark reminder of the broader public safety risks associated with banned materials like Chinese manjha. Such strings are not only hazardous to humans but also to wildlife and the environment, as they can remain entangled in trees and power lines long after use.
Experts urge citizens to opt for safer alternatives, such as cotton or biodegradable kite strings, and to report any violations to local authorities promptly. Public cooperation is crucial in curbing the illegal trade and use of these dangerous products.
As Abeera recovers from her injuries, her case adds to the growing call for more effective enforcement and community vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from similar tragedies in the future.
