Cuttack, Jan 15: Two individuals sustained injuries when entangled in a stray 'Chinese manja,' commonly used for flying kites, near Balikuda on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack road on Monday morning. 

The incident occurred as the duo was en route to Cuttack from Niali on a motorcycle. The biker suffered a cut in the neck, while the pillion rider sustained injuries to his hand and palm. Both victims have been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar for necessary treatment.

The use of 'manja,' a synthetic kite string coated with powdered glass, poses a serious threat to human lives, especially during the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Despite multiple bans on its manufacture and sale, the hazardous practice persists.

In response to the alarming situation, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation issued a notification on Sunday, imposing a complete ban on 'Chinese manja' this year. The ban extends to plastic thread and threads coated with glass particles. To enforce the ban, the civic body has established three special teams tasked with inspecting kite shops and taking action against any shopkeeper found selling the prohibited items.

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