Treat Chinese manjha deaths as murder, CM Yogi orders officials

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday told officials any death in the state caused by banned Chinese kite strings (manjha) should be treated as murder.The CM’s directive comes after a sharp rise in Chinese manjha-related deaths in the state.

At least eight people lost their lives in the state in past one year due to Chinese manjha.Asked how the directive will be implemented, additional chief secretary (home) Sanjay Prasad said, “We are working on a legal and procedural framework to ensure any death caused due to the use of banned Chinese manjha is treated as a case of murder. Clear instructions will be issued to the police so that strict action can be taken against all those involved in its sale, supply or use.”The CM said Chinese manhja poses a deadly threat to citizens, especially children, as well as birds and animals. Chairing a high-level review, he asked how Chinese manjha is still being sold despite a ban. “This will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, directing police chiefs to conduct district-wise raids, dismantle the illegal supply network, and ensure immediate seizure of the hazardous string.Yogi made it clear that if a person loses his or her life due to Chinese manjha, an FIR for murder will be registered and those responsible, including sellers, suppliers, and others involved, will face strict legal action and jail.