Gorakhpur: Kushinagar police on Sunday launched a district-wide checking and awareness drive against illegal sale, storage and use of Chinese manjha, following directions of SP Keshav Kumar. The drive was conducted across all police station areas, covering markets, kite sellers, general stores and other related shops.Police teams informed shopkeepers and public that production, sale, storage, transport and use of Chinese manjha — including synthetic, glass-coated and metallic thread— was completely prohibited under state govt orders and directions of the Allahabad high court. Regular patrolling and surprise checks are being carried out to ensure strict enforcement of the ban, officials said. UP govt has recently declared it would treat any death caused by manjha as murder. Police warned Chinese manjha posed serious threat not only to kite flyers but also to commuters, especially two-wheeler riders, as sharp thread can cause severe injuries and even fatalities. The banned thread is also responsible for large-scale injuries to birds and frequent disruption of power supply lines.Officials said swift legal action will be taken against violators, including registration of cases under relevant sections of law. Police also appealed to residents to cooperate with the drive and report any illegal sale or storage and use of Chinese manjha.
