The Central government has decided against banning the use of the Pellet guns in Kashmir after the strong protest by the security forces, especially the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as they were saying that the Pellet guns are the forefront in tackling public ire in the valley.

Although the central government has not banned the use of Pellet guns, it has made it clear that it will be used in the rarest of rare cases and such instructions have been already sent to the security forces in the valley.

The government sources said that the security forces will be asked to make use of chili-based PAVA shells, as the government thinks it is the best possible non-lethal alternative to pellet guns.

According to the experts PAVA shells can be used in both single and multi-barrel guns to control the large violent crowd. It is used in plastic shells that starts melting soon. The PAVA shells are capable enough to immobilize the target for 20-30 minutes because of its strong intensity and it does not have serious health hazards.

Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi suggested that Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of Border Security Force (BSF) in Tekanpur, near Gwalior should be give orders for the bulk production of PAVA shells, with the first order of no less than 50,000 rounds.

Reports said that the CRPF has informed the Union Home Ministry that the banning of pellet guns would leave them on mercy of large violet crowd and they will be left with no choice but to use their service weapons for their protection, which will increase the rate of fatalities in the valley.

By Prajakt K.