A retired army serviceman died in Jammu and Kashmir after his throat was allegedly slit by a razor-sharp Chinese manjha while he was returning home on a two-wheeler.
The incident took place on Sunday evening in the Jammu area. The victim, identified as Naib Subedar (Retd) Lakhwinder Singh, was a resident of Mamka in R S Pura. He was reportedly returning home after completing his shift as a private security guard at an industrial unit in Bari Brahmana.
According to reports, the banned kite string became entangled around Singh's neck while he was riding his two-wheeler. The sharp thread cut his throat, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to a hospital, but doctors could not save him.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation and intensified their crackdown against people involved in the illegal sale of Chinese manjha.
Chinese manjha, also known as Gattu Dor, is generally made from synthetic nylon and coated with glass powder and metal. Unlike ordinary cotton kite string, it is extremely sharp and can cause serious or fatal injuries to people, particularly those travelling on two-wheelers.
The dangerous thread is also a major threat to birds and other animals. Since it is non-biodegradable, discarded manjha can remain in the environment for a long time. It can also become entangled with power lines, potentially causing electrical accidents and power outages.
Authorities in Jammu district have already imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase, storage, transportation and use of Chinese manjha. Despite the ban, the string continues to be sold illegally in some areas.
Following Singh's death, his grieving relatives urged the police and administration to take strict action against those selling the banned thread and prevent further deaths.
Jammu Police have been carrying out raids in markets and checking shops suspected of selling the dangerous string. Officials have reportedly seized hundreds of rolls and registered FIRs against violators under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The latest death has once again raised concerns over the continued illegal availability of Chinese manjha despite restrictions. Authorities are now under pressure to strengthen enforcement and ensure that the banned thread does not reach the market.
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