Citizens seek stringent criminal action against buyers and sellers as life-threatening thread remains easily available in Old City markets.
Despite a blanket ban imposed by the District Administration Jammu, the sale of the deadly Chinese nylon thread, popularly known as ‘Gattu’ or Chinese Manja, continues unabated in several parts of Jammu city.
Though clandestine, the life threatening bundles of nylon thread are sold by shopkeepers particularly in the congested markets of Pacca Danga and adjoining old city areas, exposing the glaring failure of enforcement agencies to curb its illegal trade.
JK Global News team on Sunday visited the Pacca Danga and found that majority of shopkeepers through acquaintances were selling banned chinese thread. Every single bundle of banned chinese nylon thread was sold at Rs 500 each.
Every year, ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, the district administration issues prohibitory orders banning the manufacture, sale, storage and use of the hazardous synthetic thread.
However, on the ground, the banned manja remains readily available through clandestine channels, with buyers procuring it with little difficulty.
Residents allege that the administration’s response has largely been confined to issuing routine ban orders, while enforcement remains sporadic and symbolic.
Pertinent to mentioned here that the Chinese nylon thread has repeatedly claimed precious human lives across the Jammu region Motorcyclists, pedestrians and children have suffered fatal neck injuries after coming in contact with the razor-sharp, stretchable thread. Several others have sustained permanent disabilities in similar incidents. Yet, the illegal trade continues to flourish with alarming impunity.
Besides posing a grave threat to human life, the banned manja has emerged as a major hazard for birds. Every year, countless pigeons, eagles, parrots and other birds become entangled in the nearly invisible nylon thread, leaving many injured or dead after prolonged suffering. Wildlife rescuers have repeatedly flagged the ecological damage caused by its indiscriminate use.
The menace also extends to public infrastructure. Chinese manja frequently snaps overhead power lines, causes electrical faults and disrupts power supply, resulting in avoidable losses to the public exchequer and exposing utility workers to additional risks during restoration work.
Questioning what they described as the “optics-driven” approach of enforcement agencies, several citizens demanded a coordinated crackdown on the concealed sale of the banned thread rather than occasional seizures meant only to create headlines.
“Instead of symbolic action, police should dismantle the entire supply chain. Every shopkeeper selling the banned manja and every buyer using it must be dealt with strictly. Wherever a death or grievous injury occurs because of Chinese manja, all those involved in its sale and supply should face criminal prosecution,” said Rajeshwar Singh Jamwal, a noted social activist.
Another resident, Rahul Dev, expressed anguish over the recurring tragedies.
“Merely issuing a ban order every year cannot become an excuse for acting as mute spectators to this naked dance of death unleashed by Chinese manja. The police and civil administration must go beyond optics and launch sustained enforcement to end the distressing cycle of deaths and injuries witnessed around Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami every year,” he said.
Citizens have urged the Police, District Administration and market associations to launch an intensive awareness campaign alongside rigorous enforcement so that the banned thread disappears not only from government notifications but also from the streets of Jammu.
With another festive season approaching, many believe that unless the authorities act decisively against the manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and users of the banned thread, the next tragedy may only be a matter of time.