If PAVA fails, forces may use pellet guns in Kashmir: Govt

New Delhi: Pellet guns "may be" used by the security forces in Kashmir valley to disperse the rioters if their alternatives fail, the government said on Tuesday.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir said that the government had constituted an expert committee on July 26, 2016 to explore other possible alternatives to pellet guns as non-lethal weapons.

"The committee has submitted its report and the recommendations have been taken into account by the government for appropriate implementation.

"Accordingly, the government has decided that the security forces will resort to various measures such as using PAVA- chilli (shells and grenades), Stun Lac (shells and grenades) and tear smoke shells to disperse the rioters," he said.

The Minister added: "However, if these measures prove to be ineffective in dispersing of rioters, use of pellet guns may be resorted to."

He was replying to question whether the government is planning to take a re-look at the non-lethal weapons used by the security forces as scores of people have lost their vision due to shots fired from pellet guns in the Kashmir valley.