NEW DELHI – Seventeen Kashmiri protesters died of pellet gun injuries inJammu and Kashmir in the past two years, the Rajya Sabha was informed onWednesday.
Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir also said that twosecurity persons were killed by protesters in the Valley in 2016.
The minister in a written reply also said the government has constituted anexpert committee on July 26, 2016 to explore other possible alternatives topellet guns as non-lethal weapons.
“The recommendations of the committee have been taken into account by thegovernment for appropriate implementation.
Accordingly, various measures such as using PAVA-Chilli (Shells andGrenades), STUN-LAC (Shells and Grenades) and Tear Smoke Shells are used todisperse the unlawful violent protesters before the use of pellet guns,” hesaid.