PAVA shells likely to replace pellet guns in fight against stone-pelters

New Delhi: In view of the rising criticism against the use of pellet guns in the Kashmir valley, the government is likely to use of Pentagonic Acid Vanililyl Acid ( PAVA) shells, an organic compound, to control the stone-pelters who have been active in the region for last one and a half months.

The government was looking for an alternative to the pellet guns ever since the reports of damage to eyes of some of the trouble-makers in Kashmir. It has been found now. These shells can be quite effectively used to deal with stone-throwing crowd.

This chilli-filled compound does not affect the eyes nor does it cause any harm to any other part. However, these shells can temporarily incapacitate the people and render them immobile.

According to official sources, they will be a warning signal to future stone-pelters and may control the violence in the valley. These shells are also more effective than chilly-spray and tear-gas shells. An expert committee set up by the Home ministry has also found it more suitable.

The Indian Technology Research Institute has also tested these shells. In view of their effectiveness the Tear Smoke unit of the Border Security Force has been asked to step up its production.

It may be recalled that the valley turned violent after the death of terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter in the first week of July. It has so far claimed 68 lives and injured as many as 400 others.

Also that pellet guns are being used in the valley since 2010. As many as 100 persons were killed in different incidents in Kashmir that year. In recent use of the guns, five persons are reported to have lost their vision in one of the eyes.