"Manjhas are hazardous not only for birds but also for humans, especially people travelling in open vehicles like bicycles, motorcycles and scooters. Manjha is responsible for injuries and death of children and adults every year. It also plays havoc with the power lines in several areas."
Rajasekar, class XII, Bethel Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai
"The manjha, often coated with glass, metal, or other sharp objects, poses a threat to humans and animals alike. Some state governments have already initiated action against the use of Chinese manjha. In fact, it should be banned altogether. This will not be easy, so, creating public awareness is important. Cotton thread and twine are the best alternatives."
Gouri Ajayakumar, class VII, Vishwa Bharati Public School, Greater Noida
"Kite flying is a tradition that is being followed for years and one can’t stop people from participating in this sport. But the use of manjhas, which has been causing injury and death every year, should be stopped completely. They are a menace to humans and animals, especially birds. PETA has made a wise and timely move to ban this hazardous string. It will make kite flying safe for all."
Shivani SIngh, class X, Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi
"It was time someone took action to stop the use of the manjha as it poses a serious threat to humans and birds. Hundreds of pigeons and endangered species like vultures get killed every year. We need to ensure that our traditions don’t become harmful for us. Kite flying must be made an enjoyable and safe experience by banning manjha."
Ritika Shriram, class IX, Ryan International School, Noida
"Kite flying is a fun sport and should be played in that spirit. Earlier, it used cotton strings which were harmless. The glass-coated nylon manjha has proved dangerous and is responsible for many deaths and injuries. Action should be taken against the sale and manufacture of deadly glass-coated nylon Manjha. The manufacturers should be advised to replace the nylon and crushed glass strings with regular strong cotton. Infact, such manjhas should be banned."
Ishita Madiwale, class IX, St Joseph high school, Pashan, Pune
"The use of the glass-coated, sharp, nylon-lined thread has killed so many birds over the years. PETA has made the right move to reduce such fatal accidents. The government should encourage kite flyers to look for alternatives to manjha rather than stopping the kite-flying festival."
Riddhi Bhardwaj, class X, St Michael’s Sr Sec School, New Delhi
Every year, nearly half a dozen birds get injured due to the sharp manjhas.However, the lackadaisical attitude of the government has increased the problem manifold. It's time the Centre took notice of the injuries caused to human and animal lives and ban the Chinese imported manjhas.
Ketan Lambat, class XI, CPS-WN, Nagpur
Yes, I think we desperately need to find a better alternative as the use of manja has proven to be fatal. Ideally, the new alternative should be cheaper, reliable and safer for people to prefer that over manja.
Lamis Khokar, class IX, H M N English High School
What is Chinese Manjha
Made of strong nylon, Chinese manjha is a string often coated with glass or metal. It's coating is done to increase its strength for kite flying competitions. In fact, it is the same thread that is used for fishing. According to experts, the thread can be fatal due to its sharp coating. It's popular among the kite flyers because it is cheap in comparison to the normal strings. Handmade cotton manjha is made from rice flour and a mix of desi masalas, and breaks easily.