Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
A 52-year-old former Army soldier working as a security guard was tragically killed after a banned Chinese nylon kite string, commonly known as Gattu door, slit his throat while he was riding a motorcycle on the Ring Road near Jindar Khurd in Bishnah. In a separate incident, a woman sustained critical injuries after reportedly coming into contact with the prohibited synthetic kite string in Akhnoor.
The incidents have once again highlighted the growing danger posed by illegal synthetic kite strings in the Jammu region, particularly during the festive season when kite-flying activity increases.
The deceased has been identified as Lakhwinder Singh, a retired Naib Subedar of the Indian Army and resident of Deewangarh in Suchetgarh.
According to preliminary information, Singh was returning home on his motorcycle after completing his security duty at an industrial unit in Bari Brahmana when the razor-sharp nylon string suddenly became entangled around his neck.
The string reportedly caused deep cuts to his throat, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Bishnah, where doctors declared him dead.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the continued availability and use of banned synthetic kite strings, which can cause severe injuries to motorists, pedestrians and animals because of their exceptional strength and sharpness.
In a separate incident in Akhnoor, a woman reportedly sustained serious injuries after coming into contact with the banned synthetic manjha while travelling.
The incident adds to a growing list of injuries being reported across the Jammu region due to hazardous kite strings.
The latest incidents come amid reports of a sharp increase in kite-string-related injuries in Jammu.
More than a dozen people have reportedly been admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu with injuries caused by synthetic kite strings. The victims have suffered cuts to their throats, faces and fingers, with some injuries described as severe.
The incidents have renewed calls for strict enforcement against the manufacture, sale, storage and use of prohibited synthetic kite strings.
Unlike conventional cotton thread, nylon and other synthetic kite strings are highly resistant to breaking and can remain stretched across roads and public spaces, creating a serious hazard for two-wheelers, pedestrians and other road users.
The death of the former Army soldier has intensified concerns among residents and road users, who have called for stronger action against those selling or using banned kite strings.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against the use of hazardous synthetic manjha, particularly in areas with heavy traffic. Enforcement agencies are also expected to step up inspections of markets and shops selling kite-flying material.
The latest incidents serve as a grim reminder that what may appear to be a recreational activity can turn fatal when prohibited and dangerous kite strings are used.
Residents have been urged to avoid banned synthetic strings and immediately report their sale or use to the concerned authorities to prevent further loss of life and serious injuries.
