“If India really wants to save Kashmir and its people then they must end the use of pellet-firing shotguns, which have caused immense suffering in Kashmir,” said Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India during “Losing Sight in Kashmir, The Impact of Pellet Guns” seminar in Srinagar.

Patel said the pellet guns are only used in Jammu and Kashmir and not at any place in mainland India. “We have raised the issue with the government and it has assured us that the pellet guns will be used in extreme situations. Government understands that the damage caused by the pellets is disproportionate.”

“Authorities claim the pellet shotgun is not lethal, but the injuries and deaths caused by this cruel weapon bear testimony to how dangerous, inaccurate and indiscriminate it is. There is no proper way to use pellet-firing shotguns. It is irresponsible of authorities to continue the use of these shotguns despite being aware of the damage they do.” Patel added.

According to a report released, people injured by pellet-firing shotguns have faced serious physical and mental health issues, including symptoms of psychological trauma.

School and university students who were hit in the eyes said that they continue to have learning difficulties.

Several victims who were the primary breadwinners for their families fear they will not be able to work any longer. Many have not regained their eyesight despite repeated surgeries.

Speaking on occasion Zahoor Wani, Senior Campaigner Amnesty International India said,  “In some cases, those injured by pellet-firing shotguns still have the metal pellets lodged in their skulls, near their eyes. Doctors have been afraid to remove the pellets, fearing that it will affect eyesight, but they are not sure what the long-term effects will be."

“It is unclear if the shotguns have been properly tested, or their effects and risks assessed, or whether there is even any protocol about how they must be used. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has done little to support those injured and disabled by this weapon,” Zahoor added.

  Amnesty International India also obtained information through Right to Information applications which suggests that the use of the inherently inaccurate pellet-firing shotguns by security forces has injured other security force personnel. At least 16 personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police were treated for pellet injuries in Kupwara in 2016. Amnesty International India wrote to the JKP and CRPF for further information, but no responses were received.

“Authorities have a duty to maintain public order, but using pellet shotguns is not the solution,” said Aakar Patel. “Security forces must address stone-throwing or other violence by protestors by means that allow for better targeting or more control over the harm caused.”

(By Saleem Iqbal Qadri)