Fight against ‘deadly’ China-made kite string

The administration and police have intensified crackdowns on Sahnewal shopkeepers selling the banned China-made plastic kite string.

At the same time, they are reaching out to the kite flyers and the society at large, counselling them about the dangers these string pose to the people and the legal consequences of using or selling them.

The authorities concerned are conducting regular raids to catch the sellers red-handed and book them. The police are also making special announcements in the town, especially for the parents of the kids who procure this string.

Ludhiana (East) Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jasleen Bhullar has directed tehsildars and the police officials to spare no one using this kite string. “Teams have been formed to check the sale and purchase of this deadly string. They will inspect shops and earn shopkeepers against selling the banned string. Additionally, we are counselling the children who insist on using the deadly thread. At the same time, we are also reaching out to the parents who yield to this demand. We have instructed the public to keep a tab and inform the police as soon as they get any information regarding this. The informers’ credentials shall be kept confidential,” the SDM added.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Industrial Area A, Inderjit Singh Boparai said no one has the right to play with innocent lives. He is guiding the teams formed to check the availability of the Chinese string.

“No warning shall be issued henceforth. We have decided to act tough against traders and conduct raids to check the sale of this killer string. Why should a complete ban not be imposed on a thread which is devouring precious lives and mental peace? No seller shall be allowed to take law in his or her hands. If we have to pay such a high price for a sport, it should be driven out completely,” he added.

“We have instructed the shopkeepers, in clear words, not to sell the Chinese string. It should be a joint effort by the police and the public. Social media platforms used by the sellers to connect with buyers should be monitored and banned,” the ACP added.

“We have made special teams, which will operate bin plainclothes, to identify the children using such strings. We have raided some shops discreetly. Though we were not able to recover any strings, I feel it is a good enough check for all such shopkeepers who are selling this product. We will continue to raid shops from time to time. This time, the message is crystal clear. If any child is found using the deadly string, an FIR might be registered against the parents. This is essential. In many cases, the child ignorant of the lethal consequences of the string and the onus shifts onto the parents,” he further added.