In Gujarat, 2,303 cases of illegal selling of Chinese manja (threads) have been registered in just two years.

The sale of Chinese threads, glass-coated nylon threads, and plastic-coated threads is banned across the state, yet sellers continue to sell these dangerous threads.

These threads are hazardous to both birds and humans, and many fatalities have been linked to Chinese thread. A recent incident in Surat highlighted the danger when a 13-year-old boy died of electrocution while retrieving a kite stuck in a high-voltage line near his house. He was reportedly using Chinese thread, through which he got electrocuted.

Birds also face significant risks during the kite-flying festival, as Chinese threads can instantly kill them.

Despite the known dangers of Chinese thread, people continue to manufacture, buy, and sell these life-threatening threads.

As per government data, 2,303 cases of Chinese threads have been filed over the past two years. From January 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, a total of 2,155 cases were registered, and from January 16, 2024, to December 31, 2024, 148 cases were registered.

The largest number of cases were filed in Ahmedabad, with more than 451 cases. Out of the 2,303 cases, 2,125 accused were arrested, with the highest number of 371 arrests in Ahmedabad.

This year, the government has also initiated checking of markets selling Chinese threads and has started arresting individuals involved in their manufacture and sale.

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