Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Mandates Murder Charges for Chinese Manjha Deaths
In a decisive move to curb the rising menace of banned Chinese kite strings, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a stern directive to state officials. On Thursday, the CM declared that any death in Uttar Pradesh resulting from the use of prohibited Chinese manjha must be treated as a case of murder. This significant policy shift comes in response to a sharp and alarming increase in fatalities linked to the hazardous material across the state.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Strict Action
Official reports indicate that at least eight individuals have tragically lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh over the past year due to incidents involving Chinese manjha. The thin, sharp, and often non-biodegradable strings, typically coated with glass or metal, pose a severe threat to human life, wildlife, and domestic animals. During a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Adityanath expressed grave concern over the continued availability and sale of these banned strings despite existing prohibitions.
"This will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the Chief Minister asserted, highlighting the deadly risk Chinese manjha poses, particularly to children, as well as birds and other animals. He demanded immediate answers from officials on how the banned material is still circulating in the market, bypassing regulatory measures.
Implementation of the New Directive
When questioned about the practical implementation of treating such deaths as murder, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad provided clarity. "We are actively developing a comprehensive legal and procedural framework," Prasad stated. "The objective is to ensure that any fatality caused by the use of banned Chinese manjha is legally classified as a murder case. Clear and unambiguous instructions will be issued to all police departments across the state to facilitate strict and swift action against anyone involved in the sale, supply, or use of this dangerous material."
Operational Crackdown Ordered
To enforce this directive, Chief Minister Adityanath has ordered a statewide crackdown. He has instructed police chiefs to conduct coordinated, district-wise raids aimed at dismantling the entire illegal supply network of Chinese manjha. The operations are to focus on the immediate seizure of all stocks of the hazardous kite string. Furthermore, the CM made it explicitly clear that in the event of any death caused by Chinese manjha, a First Information Report (FIR) for murder will be registered without delay.
Legal accountability will extend to all parties involved in the chain, including sellers, suppliers, distributors, and users. Those found responsible will face stringent legal proceedings, with the potential for significant jail time, underscoring the state government's zero-tolerance approach.
This robust stance by the Uttar Pradesh government marks a significant escalation in the fight against the illegal manjha trade, aiming to deter its use through the threat of severe criminal penalties and to enhance public safety across the state.
