Indian Army recommends replacement of Pellet Guns to control crowd in valley

Srinagar: In view of the public outcry against use of pellet guns, the Indian Army has recommended that they should be replaced with less lethal weapons such as sound cannons, pepper shotguns and chilli grenades.

Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda said, on Monday, that the recommendation was made to the committee appointed by the centre to review the use of pellet guns in the valley.

“Alternative non-lethal weapons are available to disperse crowds during demonstrations. The panel sought our inputs and we have suggested sonic weapons, pepper ammo and chilli grenades could be less harmful. The government is looking at these options,” said Hooda.

Also Read: Kashmir unrest: India ready to talk only on relevant issues with Pak

Army deploys more soldiers:

• The Indian army has deployed more than 4,000 additional soldiers to southern Kashmir to control the situation.
• The military commander said the unrest was being kept alive deliberately by internal and external elements (separatists and Pakistan). “There’s anger among the youth, we can’t deny that. But the elements don’t want to see the state return to peace,” said Hooda.
• He also stated that Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba have openly supported the protests. They will support it with terrorist activities. “The common man is suffering,” stated Army Commander.

Pellet guns effect:

These guns have injured many protesters in the valley, especially children making some of them blind .

You may also read: Hizbul warns of ‘nuclear war’ between India and Pakistan on Kashmir