Doctors extend support for manja ban call

The thread is coated with ground glass to cut the strings of rivals’ kites, but the stray threads often lead to injuries and even death not just here but across the world. In most cases reported in the city, the manja cuts through the neck of motorists on two-wheelers, who suffer injuries even if they wear helmets. These injuries are jagged-edged, which makes it even more difficult for the doctors when compared to a clean cut made by sharp weapons. It also causes fall from the vehicles, leading to more injuries, doctors here said. 

Following a meeting with representatives of PETA India, the IMA wrote a letter calling for the ban on all forms of manja, including cotton threads coated with glass, metal, or other sharp materials. “The IMA is aware of the National Green Tribunal’s judgement dated July 11, 2017, which banned Chinese, nylon, and plastic threads. However, as doctors who have been treating patients with manja injuries, we strongly recommend that cotton threads coated with glass, metal or any sharp material be banned, too, as they are equally dangerous and capable of causing injuries or death to humans.” 

“There have been many instances in which people were seriously injured by manja. Despite the fact that it has been banned, action is taken only when deaths happen,” said Dr J AJayalal, state president of IMA. 

Stating that the thread not only results in injuries but also makes two-wheeler riders to lose balance, a doctor from the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) said, “We used to attend to many patients who were injured by manja strings while riding two-wheelers. The thread is harmful to birds as well.”