Hyderabad (PTI): A 38-year-old farm labourer from Uttar Pradesh died on Wednesday after a kite string cut his throat in Sangareddy district, police said.

The incident occurred while he was riding a two-wheeler in Fasalwadi village on his way to buy vegetables.

Preliminary investigations suggest the kite string was not 'Chinese manja' (synthetic/nylon kite string), officials said.

“Prima facie, it does not appear to be 'Chinese manja'; however, we will seek expert opinion and investigate scientifically,” Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj told PTI.

The string reportedly entangled the man’s neck, causing a deep cut and severe bleeding. He was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, a police official said.

A case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.

A police official and another person, reportedly sustained injuries in separate incidents in the city over the past few days after kite strings cut their throats.

Ahead of the Sankranti festival, Hyderabad City Police have stepped up enforcement against the banned 'Chinese manja' to curb its sale, storage, and transportation.

Over the past month, police have registered more than 100 cases, seized the banned item, and arrested those involved in its sale.

The Telangana government banned 'Chinese manja' in 2016 due to its threat to humans, birds, and the environment.

Sale and use of the string is illegal and punishable with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs one lakh, police added.

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Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.

Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.

The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.

Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.

A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.

Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.

"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.

Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.