Induction of pellet guns by security forces to quell the ongoing disorder and unrest in the valley has become an issue of big controversy. Pallet gun fire releases pallets that strike against various parts of the body and if these strike in eyes, one is in the danger of losing eyesight. The use of this weapon to handle violent mobs has become a contentious issue. Should security forces use this weapon on the crowds or not, is the question. There has been widespread condemnation of the use of this weapon in various circles in Kashmir. Some call it excessive use of force. Others call it violation of human rights. Still there are others who call it deliberate attempt of disabling human beings. The Home Minister recently on a visit to Kashmir was asked about this weapon and he said that orders had been issued to the forces not to use this gun. Obviously, when orders have been issued, forces will not use it. But what then is the alternative to disperse the mobs that are bent upon disrupting law and order in the State?
The Government has done well to constitute a committee to examine the entire case and submit a report to the government whether pellet gun should be allowed to be used or that some alternative and non-lethal weapon has to be recommended. Nobody wants physical harm to be done to the youth. We would not like that the young or the old should lose their eyesight. It is not justifiable. Mobs have to be disabled in their legs but not in eyes. Whatever justification security forces may give for firing straight onto the person among the crowds or mobs, nobody will accept that the mobs should be deprived of their eyesight. Let us wait for the report of the committee and till then we would appeal the security forces not to use the pellet gun and we would also appeal the people not to resort to violence and stone throwing which is a provocation to the security forces.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel