Exploring alternatives to pellet guns: Home Ministry-constituted expert panel submits report

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday said that the expert committee formed to explore possible alternatives to pellet guns as non-lethal weapons has submitted its report. 

The expert panel was constituted by the Home Ministry to find an alternative to pellet guns for crowd control following uproar against its use in Kashmir. Last week, the panel zeroed in on ‘PAVA shells’, a chilli-based ammunition, which is less lethal and immobilises the target temporarily.

Expert panel recommends chilli-filled 'PAVA shells' to replace pellet guns>

The committee held a demonstration of the newly developed shells at a test field last week and gave it a thumbs up. The pellet guns have caused grievous injuries and large-scale blinding.

Rajnath Singh says Govt will look for non-lethal alternatives to pellet guns>

The panel was formed after Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week announced that the government will look at other non-lethal alternatives as “we all feel sad” over the loss of lives and injuries in the valley.