Deadly string

Kite flying is a popular game for children and adults all over the world. In Pakistan, especially in Punjab, people celebrate the arrival of spring by holding a kite festival. These kite festivals include a game of kite fighting in which participants attempt to use their kite to cut the string of the kite of their opponents. An abrasive material is often placed on the string of the kite to increase its ability to cut other kite strings. Typically, the thread or string is coated with a combination of ground glass and water soluble paper glue.

Using these substances leads to multiple injuries. Apart from those who prepare these strings, bystanders and participants also get wounded because of the dangerous string. Recently, a girl who was going with her parents on a motorbike in Rawalpindi died when a kite string cut her neck. Kite flying is an enjoyable sport but care needs to be taken during the game. The higher authorities should take action against people who produce dangerous strings so the ratio of these accidents and fatalities decreases.

Mehak Fatima

Karachi