Foul Smelling CS Shells to Control Kashmiri Stone-Pelters

Doctors from all the government hospitals in Srinagar are protesting the use of pellet guns on the Kashmiri youth. (Photo Courtesy: Pradeepika Saraswat)

In order to reduce collateral damage during violent protests, security forces in the Kashmir valley would now include plastic pellets and shells giving off pungent smell to control the stone-pelting mobs.

The pellet guns, however, will continue to be used as the last resort in the non-lethal category.

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court asking the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir governments to consider alternatives to the usage of pellet guns in the valley, discussions have been held with troops on the ground engaged in tackling law and order problems, especially the stone-pelting locals, during anti-insurgency operations.

Maintaining that pellet guns will remain the last non-lethal weapon before firing is ordered, official sources said CS shells could be a potential alternative, as these evaporate on explosion.

Scientifically known as chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, CS shells, upon exploding, cause tears and burning sensation in eyes, irritation in nose, mouth and throat, leading to coughing and difficulty in breathing.

The sources said one of the suggestions during the discussions was to strengthen the chemical mixture in the CS shell, so that it acts as an effective deterrent.

Security forces often face stiff resistance from the locals while they are engaged in gunfight with militants, who at times, manage to escape with their help.

The SC observations last week came in response to J&K Bar Association's petition, seeking a complete ban on pellet guns, which have caused large-scale injuries, even death, during the prolonged protests following the encounter killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016.

Other Less Lethal Weapons

Security forces have introduced plastic pellets and PAVA shells to control the mobs. These would be used only if tear gas and the CS shells fail to bring them under control.

PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide) is a chilli-based ammunition, which is less lethal, and immobilises the target temporarily.

Other less lethal weapons used include 'dye marker grenade with irritant', which, once fired, causes sensory trouble to the target. It leaves a dye mark on the troublemakers for easy identification.

An new entrant to the arsenal of non-lethal weapons is a grenade packed with scientifically prepared spicy jelly, which on exploding, causes irritation in the eyes.

Oloeoresin, a semi-solid extract in a solution, mixed with spicy gel, could be put in the grenade casings to tackle rioting mobs, sources said.