Hyderabad: Ahead of the Makar Sankranti festival, the city police have seized banned Chinese manja worth ₹1,24,52,000 as part of a special drive aimed at curbing the sale and use of the prohibited thread. Under this campaign, 103 cases were registered, 143 accused were arrested, and 6,226 bobbins of banned Chinese manja were seized from their possession.

Addressing a press conference at the Command Control Centre in Banjara Hills, the City Police Commissioner stated that the use of Chinese manja is proving fatal not only for animals and birds but also for humans. Incidents of people getting injured by Chinese manja are being reported daily. The special drive was conducted specifically to curb the use of the banned Chinese manja.

Under this action, the South-West Zone registered the highest number of cases at 34, arresting 46 accused. From the accused, 3,265 bobbins of Chinese manja worth ₹65.3 lakh were seized. In the South Zone, 27 cases were registered, 35 accused were arrested, and 1,861 bobbins of Chinese manja worth ₹37.22 lakh were seized from them.

Raids and Arrests in Eastern and South-Eastern Zones

Similarly, in the Eastern Zone, raids were conducted on shops and 18 cases were registered. In connection with these cases, 29 accused were arrested and Chinese manja worth ₹6,02,000 was seized from them. In the South-Eastern Zone, 9 cases were registered and 10 accused were arrested. It was stated that the Task Force police played a significant role against the banned Chinese manja. Under the special drive, the Task Force police registered 67 cases and arrested 87 accused.

Banned Chinese manja worth ₹68.78 lakh was seized from the accused. It was stated that this campaign will continue until the Sankranti festival. The press conference was attended by the Additional Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioners of Police, and other senior officers.

Makar Sankranti festival

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu harvest festival celebrated across India, marking the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and the beginning of longer days. Historically and astronomically significant, it symbolizes the end of winter and is traditionally associated with thanking the sun god Surya and celebrating new harvests. The festival is observed with regional variations, featuring rituals, kite flying, bonfires, and the preparation of special sweets made from sesame and jaggery.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Telangana, founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. It is historically renowned as the seat of the wealthy Nizams and for its iconic landmarks like the Charminar and Golconda Fort, which reflect its rich Islamic heritage and past as a global diamond and pearl trading center. Today, it is a major hub for information technology and pharmaceuticals, often called “Cyberabad.”

Command Control Centre

The Command Control Centre is a modern military and strategic facility, typically established in the 20th or 21st century, designed for coordinating complex operations, such as air defense, space missions, or national security. Its history is often tied to the Cold War era and technological advancements in communications and computing, serving as a secure nerve center for real-time monitoring and decision-making.

Banjara Hills

Banjara Hills is an affluent residential and commercial neighborhood in Hyderabad, India, originally inhabited by the Banjara (Lambadi) nomadic tribes. Historically a rural area on the city’s outskirts, it was developed into a major upscale suburb in the late 20th century, now known for its luxury hotels, restaurants, and panoramic views of Hussain Sagar Lake.

South-West Zone

The “South-West Zone” is a broad geographical designation, so a specific summary requires more context. However, if referring to a cultural or historical site, it could describe areas like the **Southwest Region of Cameroon**, known for its anglophone heritage and natural attractions like Mount Cameroon, or the **Southwest National Park in Tasmania**, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine wilderness shaped by glacial history.

South Zone

The “South Zone” (Zona Sul) typically refers to the affluent coastal district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, famed for beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Historically, its development accelerated in the early 20th century with the opening of tunnels connecting it to the city center, transforming it into a global symbol of leisure and urban life. Today, it remains the city’s most iconic tourist area, blending natural beauty with a vibrant cultural scene.

Eastern Zone

The “Eastern Zone” typically refers to the eastern region of Bangladesh, historically known for its ancient archaeological sites like Mainamati, which was a major Buddhist center from the 7th to 13th centuries. Today, it is a culturally rich area featuring traditional crafts, tribal communities, and remnants of early urban settlements. Its history reflects a blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and later Islamic influences that have shaped its heritage.

South-Eastern Zone

The “South-Eastern Zone” is a broad geographical designation, so a specific summary depends on the context. For example, in the context of **Sri Lanka**, it refers to a region rich in ancient Buddhist heritage, historically part of the Kingdom of Ruhuna, with important sites like the temples of **Mulkirigala** and **Yala National Park**. In a **global or administrative context**, it could refer to a planning district or economic area within a country or continent, generally defined by its relative location rather than a single unified history.