On Makar Sankranti, Mumbai Police urged people to celebrate the festival with care and say no to dangerous kite threads. They asked people to ensure they enjoyed the harvest festival by flying kites in the sky with caution. "Be Qite sure, no nylon strings attached", read a post shared by the police team on social media. In a creative poster, they pointed out that 'manja' is illegal and should be avoided when flying kites this year.

Check post below

The post uploaded by Mumbai Police read the words "Man ja" in Devanagari fonts and turned its initial letter into a kite. The creatively-made Makar Sankranti message served as a means to spread awareness of 'manja' (nylon thread) being illegal and unsafe.

Taking note of the 'no manja' post, netizens wrote, "Use a thick rope instead". They extended best wishes for the festival to the police team and others on the internet.

Ban on 'manja'

'Manja' is banned in India and termed illegal under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita due to its deadly impact. Also, the sale and use of Chinese manja is prohibited under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 noting the harm it causes to animals, birds, and humans as well because of its sharp texture.

Illegal sale of 'manja' in India

This year, so far, the Hyderabad police raided stalls and street markets during Makar Sankranti festivities to crackdown the illegal sale of these nylon threads used in flying kites. The cops reported that these manja brands were sold with the names ‘Pokemon’, ‘Panda’, and ‘Commando’, highlighting its strength and deadly sharpness. They estimate to have seized goods worth ₹90 lakh.

Similarly, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik police also took charge on cases of persons using the banned manja for flying kites during this festival.

Two arrests were reported from Pune earlier this week. There were about 50 cases in each city registered on parents for purchasing and allowing their kids to used the banned product.