Approves use of PAVA shells as alternative
AMN
The Centre has approved the use of chilli-filled grenades as an alternative to pellet guns for crowd controlling ahead of the visit of an all-party delegation to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.
Official sources said, Home Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the file for use of Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide (PAVA) shells also called Nonivamide as an alternative to the pellet guns.
PAVA shells, a chilli-based ammunition, is less lethal and immobilises the target temporarily.
Sources said, pellet guns are, however, unlikely to be banned completely but will be used in rarest of rare cases.
Home Ministry had set up a seven-member Expert Committee for exploring the other possible alternatives to Pellet Guns as Non-lethal Weapons.
The Committee submitted its report to the Ministry recommending use of PAVA shells as an alternative.
The Kashmir Valley is witnessing unrest following the killing of a militant.