Guwahati, Feb. 2: BJP legislator Ranjit Kumar Das today made a strong plea for banning the sale of toy guns in Assam saying they could develop an aggressive or violent psyche in a child.

Das raised the matter in the Assembly today to draw the attention of industries and commerce minister Siddeque Ahmed. "Many may think it to be a trivial issue but actually it is a very serious matter," said Das, who represents lower Assam's Sorbhog constituency.

He said children should be kept away from toy weapons as these might lead them to take to violence or crime later in life.

The MLA said he had raised the issue in the past and written to chief minister Tarun Gogoi for imposing a ban on the sale of such toys but is yet to get a positive response from the government. "As responsible citizens, it is our duty to get rid of these toys as they make it easier for a child to be later initiated into a life of violence," said Das, appealing to his fellow legislators to create awareness on the issue.

He also expressed concern that most of the toy weapons resemble the originals.

Das pointed out that local markets are flooded with such toys, particularly during festivals, and these are very popular among children.

He was of the view that "it is not good for a society if kids develop the mentality of using guns".

According to the legislator, toy guns not only cause psychological damage to the children but can also lead to injuries.

Das cited an instance of a child being hit in the eye by a plastic pellet fired from a toy pistol while playing with his friends.

"The state government should not have any hesitation in banning such toys since they will not lose any revenue as most of them are either imported from China or other parts of the country," he said.

Ahmed said the issue raised by Das was an important one and the government would consider it. "However, everything has both positive and negative aspects. Therefore, the government will have to examine the pros and cons before taking a final decision," the minister added.

Guwahati-based musician Kishore Giri, who is waging a campaign for banning toy weapons and violent video games since 2008, supported Das.

He said that children are very sensitive and vulnerable to imbibing the violence from video games and toy weapons.

"Once the children imbibe this culture, it will spell doom for society. It is high time for us to rise to the occasion and do something before the situation goes out of control," he said.

On January 25, Giri had requested to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court to prohibit toy weapons as these could create a negative impact on child's psychology and could eventually lead them on the path of violence.