Chilli grenade, shock therapy for stone pelters in Valley

NEW DELHI: The taskforce proposed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to think up non-lethal means of crowd control in Jammu and Kashmir will look at options such as high-intensity water cannons, non-conventional pepper balls, chilli grenades and even Taser guns.

It is only after assessing efficacy of the aforesaid tools in controlling riotous mobs without causing any grievous hurt, that the Centre will consider recommending them for use by the state police and Central forces in J&K.
With non-lethal weapons in use in other parts of the world also to be examined by the taskforce, it may also seek their procurement from abroad.

The J&K police has so far been using water cannons but they are known to propel water with an intensity not strong enough to stun and immobilise the victim. The taskforce, expected to comprise DGPs, may see the import of high-powered water cannons to hit the Valley protests with adequate force, thus discouraging them from coming out to protest.

Also, water cannons can be optimally used by aiming for residences and firing at windows that open into rooms. This would wet their furniture and furnishings and inconvenience the protesting locals all the more.

Pepper balls are known to emit highly irritating fumes and are often successful in forcing the crowds to retreat to the safety of homes. Taser guns, on the other hand are capable of sending out a 9 volt current that can momentarily immobilise the protesters. Also pump action guns fire pellets that do not cause any fatal injuries. The pellets can be .12 bore with a calibre from 7 to 9 and must be fired from a safe distance.

Another unconventional weapon that may be examined are chilli grenades that can blind protesters for a few minutes, enabling them to be overpowered by the forces. According to sources, MHA may set up the taskforce to study non-lethal methods for crowd control in J&K over the next week.