The security forces who had been using pellet guns in crowd control operations have been asked to use plastic bullets instead. The decision was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs who asked the security forces to use pellet guns as a last resort.
According to the sources, thousands of plastic bullets have been transported for the use by the security forces posted in Kashmir Valley. The pellet guns used to quell violent mob resulted in the eye and facial injuries leading to partial or total blindness.
Hence the decision to use plastic bullets was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The plastic bullets are different from the pellet guns as they are nonpenetrative and can be fired using INSAS rifles. The security forces have so far been using PAWA shells and pellet guns to quell the stone pelting mob. Plastic bullets are less lethal and therefore cause fewer injuries.
