What happened to the priest in Ujjain?

A priest in Ujjain sustained a severe throat injury from a Chinese kite string and underwent surgery.

Why is Chinese kite string (manja) dangerous?

Chinese manja is made of synthetic nylon coated with powdered glass, capable of causing deep, life-threatening cuts.

What precautions should be taken during Makar Sankranti kite flying in Ujjain?

Authorities in Ujjain have banned Chinese manja and urge the use of cotton strings only, with careful flying practices.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Priest's Throat Slashed by Chinese Kite String

Priest's Throat Slashed by Chinese Kite String

5 Jan

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Summary

A priest in Ujjain required surgery after a kite string cut his throat.
The dangerous Chinese kite string, known as manja, caused the severe injury.
Ujjain had banned the sale and use of manja before the kite-flying festival.

Priest's Throat Slashed by Chinese Kite String

A young priest in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, narrowly escaped a fatal incident when a Chinese kite string sliced his throat while he was riding a motorcycle. The 21-year-old victim, Vinay Tiwari, required immediate, life-saving surgery lasting two hours to treat the deep lacerations and remove the embedded string, receiving ten stitches.

This alarming event underscores the dangers of Chinese manja, a synthetic kite string coated with powdered glass. Ujjain district had implemented a ban on its sale and use prior to the Makar Sankranti festival, a period known for peak kite-flying activity, to prevent such severe injuries.

Authorities have been seizing illegal manja and appealing for responsible celebrations. Experts emphasize the risks of kite string injuries, ranging from minor cuts to fatalities, particularly for motorcyclists and pedestrians, and advise using only cotton strings and exercising caution during kite-flying.