Killer Thread Crackdown : 354 spools of banned Chinese thread were seized to prevent injuries
Ferozepur, January 5, 2026: Kite flying is an essential part of Basant celebrations in India, but the use of Chinese manjha (kite string) continues to pose a serious threat despite a nationwide ban. In a major offensive against the illegal sale of lethal kite-flying string, the Ferozepur police have seized 354 spools of banned "Chinese manjha" in two separate operations. The crackdown is part of a district-wide effort to prevent the fatal injuries frequently caused by the glass-coated thread during the kite-flying season.
The largest recovery took place at a local medical store. Acting on a specific tip-off, a team from the City Police Station raided the premises and discovered 270 spools of the prohibited thread hidden inside. In a second incident, patrolling officers acting on intelligence intercepted Manish Vij, a resident of Tehsildaran Wali Gali, recovering an additional 84 spools of the plastic string.
The manufacturers of the string use glass and metal powders to coat the line, making it extremely sharp; this can cause grievous, even fatal injuries, to humans and birds.
The recovered material was taken into police custody, and a case has been registered under relevant Sections of BNN/IPC, and further investigations are on with Gurdeep Singh, IO, against the accused for violating the ban. The police stated that the action was taken to prevent violations of safety regulations and to protect the public from serious injuries caused by the hazardous thread.
Sharp due to powdered metal coating, Chinese manjha easily slices through flesh, leaving humans, animals and birds gravely injured. “While there is a ban on all types of such manjha, many vendors sell it. Most offenders get away as they are difficult to trace,” the police say. Police officials appealed to the public not to buy or sell banned Chinese manjha and urged citizens to immediately inform authorities if they come across such illegal activities. Strict action, they warned, will be taken against violators.