Ujjain Youth Escapes Death as Chinese Manja Slices His Neck; Rising Danger Sparks Concern
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – In a distressing event on Friday evening, a 21-year-old resident of Ujjain narrowly averted tragedy when his neck was severely injured by the infamous Chinese manja, a perilous kite-flying string. The individual, identified as Mohammad Irshad, was traveling on a motorcycle with a companion when the cutting thread wrapped around his neck. The razor-sharp string inflicted a significant laceration, resulting in substantial blood loss. Irshad was promptly transported to Charak Hospital, where medical professionals swiftly intervened, utilizing 20 stitches to close the injury. Had the thread penetrated even marginally deeper, it could have resulted in fatal consequences.
Irshad, employed as a compounder at a local dental clinic, was riding alongside his friend, Sadawan, in proximity to Dhanka Bhawan when the incident transpired. The hazardous Chinese manja, notorious for its glass-coated sharpness, unexpectedly ensnared Irshad's neck, causing the traumatic injury. His friend acted quickly to rush him to Charak Hospital for emergency medical attention.
Timely Emergency Response and Life-Saving Treatment
The seriousness of the situation became evident as Irshad’s wound began to bleed profusely. Upon arrival at Charak Hospital, the medical team quickly assessed the injury and initiated immediate treatment. After conducting a series of emergency procedures, they successfully sutured the wound with 20 stitches. The doctors cautioned that had the thread cut even slightly deeper, it could have damaged critical arteries or caused significant harm, potentially leading to Irshad's death.
Following the initial treatment at Charak Hospital, Irshad was subsequently transferred to a private facility for enhanced care. Fortunately, his condition is now stable; nonetheless, this incident underscores the severe dangers associated with Chinese manja, which poses an increasing threat despite regulatory prohibitions.
The Dangers of Chinese Manja and Its Escalating Impact
This occurrence is indicative of a troubling trend, as Chinese manja continues to inflict injuries despite official bans on its sale and use. The synthetic kite-flying thread, frequently coated with sharp glass powder, has precipitated numerous injuries throughout India. The most commonly affected individuals in Chinese manja incidents are motorcyclists, pedestrians, and even children, who may inadvertently encounter the hazardous thread.
This is not the first tragic incident linked to Chinese manja in Ujjain. In 2022, a young student named Neha Anjana tragically lost her life when her throat was severed by Chinese manja while crossing Zero Point Bridge.
Neha's death highlighted the severe risks posed by this illegal kite-flying string, spurring calls for tighter enforcement of the ban and heightened public awareness.
The most recent incident involving Irshad is not an isolated one. Since the beginning of 2024, over 20 individuals have been injured in Ujjain alone due to Chinese manja. The victims include a range of individuals, such as an electrician near Mahakal Police Station, a youth riding a bike in Shipra Vihar, and a two-wheeler driver near Zero Point Bridge. The injuries sustained by these individuals have been significant, further underlining the immediate need for effective action to curb the menace of Chinese manja.
Despite the Ban, Chinese Manja Continues to be Sold Illegally
Despite the government's clear stance on banning the sale and use of Chinese manja, the dangerous material continues to be widely available in local markets. Sellers often operate covertly, catering to the demand for the product, particularly during kite-flying festivals like Makar Sankranti. The persistence of Chinese manja in the market, even after official bans, is a reflection of the challenges faced by authorities in curbing its illegal sale.
Authorities, including the police, have called for greater public cooperation in identifying and reporting instances of Chinese manja sales or use. However, illegal vendors often manage to evade law enforcement, and the material remains easily accessible to kite enthusiasts. In light of this, the Ujjain police have ramped up efforts to crack down on the illegal trade of Chinese manja.
Stricter Enforcement and Surveillance Measures
The Ujjain police have responded to the growing threat of Chinese manja by taking significant steps to enforce the ban more effectively. In the run-up to Makar Sankranti, law enforcement agencies across Ujjain, including Mahakal, Neelganga, Chimanganj, Kotwali, and Nagjiri police stations, carried out coordinated raids to arrest individuals found selling or using Chinese manja.
In addition, the police have deployed drone surveillance technology to monitor areas where kites are commonly flown. The use of drones allows the police to keep a close watch on rooftops and public spaces where illegal kite-flying activities might occur, enabling them to take swift action against offenders.
Though these measures have helped reduce the visibility of Chinese manja in some areas, the challenge remains substantial. The illegal sale and use of the material continue to put lives at risk, making it clear that both law enforcement and the public need to take collective action to tackle this issue effectively.
The Role of Public Awareness Campaigns
While law enforcement is a key element in reducing the risk posed by Chinese manja, public awareness campaigns also play a vital role in preventing accidents. There is a growing need for educational programs aimed at informing the public about the dangers associated with Chinese manja and the legal consequences of using it.
Local leaders, safety experts, and organizations are increasingly urging people to adopt safer alternatives to Chinese manja when engaging in kite-flying activities. These campaigns can include public service announcements, workshops, and school programs to educate people, especially children and young adults, about the risks involved and the importance of adhering to the law.
Moreover, these campaigns emphasize that kite-flying can still be an enjoyable and safe activity when done responsibly. By promoting awareness of safer kite-flying practices, the hope is to gradually shift people away from the dangerous habit of using Chinese manja.
Community and Authorities Must Act Together
The recent injury of Mohammad Irshad and the numerous incidents involving Chinese manja in Ujjain underline the urgent need for coordinated action from both the community and local authorities. The government has taken steps to ban the dangerous material, and law enforcement has intensified its crackdown on sellers. However, for these efforts to be successful, it is essential that the public cooperates by reporting illegal activities and being mindful of their surroundings.
Residents are urged to stay alert during festivals like Makar Sankranti and report any instances of Chinese manja use or illegal sales. Additionally, local authorities must continue to refine their enforcement strategies, ensuring that offenders face strict penalties. The collaborative efforts of the public and authorities can go a long way in curbing the widespread issue of Chinese manja and preventing further harm.