Lucknow, March 23 -- Even as authorities intensified enforcement amid a spike in injuries, including to a six-year-old girl, six people were arrested in Lucknow's Wazirganj area on Sunday for allegedly flying kites with banned Chinese manjha (sharp nylon string). The arrests were made around 3:15 pm near Reid Hall close to Centennial College in Golaganj during a police drive against the illegal use of Chinese manjha. Officials said the accused were caught flying kites using the prohibited string. Police identified the six arrested individuals as Sajid (near Reid Hall), Faheen (Narhi), Mohammad Aamir (Golaganj), Rizwan (Zoo Colony), Nasir (Valda Colony), and Altamas (Lalbagh). According to police, kites and banned manjha were recovered from their possession. A case has been initiated, and further action is being taken as per law. The crackdown comes as Lucknow has witnessed a series of injuries caused by the sharp synthetic string, particularly affecting two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. The sale and use of Chinese manjha are completely banned in Uttar Pradesh. Unlike traditional cotton string, Chinese manjha is made of nylon coated with metallic powder, often mixed with glass and iron filings, making it extremely sharp and dangerous. On February 10, 2026, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court observed that executive orders alone are insufficient to curb the menace and called for stronger legal provisions to enforce a complete ban. The bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice AK Chaudhary also warned that if the sale and use of such manjha continue, the government may be liable to compensate victims. The observations came while hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Motilal Yadav. On February 5, chief minister Yogi Adityanath issued strict directions to officials, stating that any death caused by Chinese manjha would be treated as a case of murder. He directed that FIRs be registered and those responsible be sent to jail.htc...