Afghanistan bans fake gun sale to curb violenceJuly 22, 2015 - 13:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Afghanistan has banned the sale of imitation Kalashnikovs and other fake guns after the toys caused injuries to more than 100 people during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The move is part of a wider effort to curb a culture of violence in the war-torn country, the Guardian reports. Children toting toy guns that fire rubber or plastic pellets are a common sight during Eid al-Fitr, with sales surging every year amid the festivities that mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. More than 100 children and teenagers suffered eye injuries during three days of celebrations that ended on Sunday, according to health officials. “Interior minister Noor-ul Haq Uloomi has ordered police to confiscate all toy guns which can lead to physical and psychological damage,” a ministry statement said. The government wants to reduce the influence of such toys on impressionable young minds, with many observers drawing a connection between juvenile war games and adult violence. The pocket money traditionally given to children by elders during Eid al-Fitr, oreidi, is widely splurged on imitation AK-47s, fake revolver pistols and plastic rifles. The ban, which, if rigorously enforced, would impact the booming toy business in the country, was widely welcomed on social media, with some calling for a similar crackdown on the sale of real weapons. “This is a positive step that will stop children from taking up real arms when they grow up,” Abdul Shaheed wrote on Facebook. “Militancy and war has promoted a brutal culture of violence in our society that is impacting children.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |