Imphal, March 09 2009: Inspite of the public concern over the prevailing gun culture, popularity of toy gun of every kinds manufactured in China and which are being sold in every nook and corner of the State has been on the rise among the children so much so that even the sale of traditional Pichakaris associated with children during Yaoshang festival has taken a back seat.

According to Khuraijam Mahesh (name changed on request) who has been in the business of selling toy guns for the last 15 years, when he took up the business initially the sale proceed of toy gun was very low, but it has been picking up very fast over the last 8-9 years after the plastic made toy guns manufactured in China flooded the market.

The sale of toy guns is also recorded highest during festive seasons, he noted.

To a question, the businessman pointed out that earlier young boys used to play with Pichakaris during Yaoshang festival.

But over the last five years, Pichakaris have been substituted with toy guns.

So with dip in the sale of Pichakaris, not many shopkeepers would think of keeping them in their shops even if it is Yaoshang festival.

Playing with these plastic made toy guns may seem harmless and the pellets fired from these guns not as fatal as that of real gun, but there have been instances of accidental shots on the eyes and ears leading to blindness or deafness.

Over and above this, there have been reports of anti-social elements making used of such fake guns in looting innocent travellers on roads by taking advantage of the prevailing insurgency problem in the State.

Inspite of all these wanted incidents, as the Home Dept of the State has not shying away from taking necessary measures, sell of toy guns in almost every shops of the markets and localities continue thrive.

Interacting with The Sangai Express, many concerned elderly citizens of the State wished the State Home Dept to pay serious attention towards taking up necessary steps to curb the menace of gun culture, whether it be the plastic toy gun or the real gun.

In the backdrop of reports of recruitment of child soldiers by militants, an unprecedented event had been witnessed May, 2008, in which many young children in different parts of the State surrendering heir toy gun decrying the prevailing gun culture and urging for peace and harmony in the society so that they can study in peace.

However, such demonstrations have not been able to discourage the young children from the temptation of possession the toy guns of every variety which are easily available in every kiosks of their localities.

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