(a) whether the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) continue to use pellet-firing shotguns in Jammu and Kashmir;
(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years;
(c) whether any special training is given to paramilitary personnel to use the pellet-firing shotgun against civilians;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether there is any Standard operating Procedure (SoP) for using the pellet-firing shotgun against civilians; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Government of India had constituted an Expert Committee on 26.07.2016 to explore other possible alternatives to Pellet Guns as non-lethal weapons. The Committee has submitted its report and the recommendations have been taken into account by the Government for appropriate implementation.
(c) & (d) 3-days special training for use of less lethal weapons/ ammunitions is conducted in which theory/ practical on riot drill, weapons/ equipments, law & order in J&K, firing practice with less lethal weapon/ equipment are imparted.
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LS.US.Q.NO.5150 FOR 27.03.2018
(e) & (f) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been adopted by Jammu and Kashmir Police including law enforcing agencies for dispersal of unlawful assembly and as per the SOP less lethal weapons should be used as per the established use-of-force policy. The use of force is guided by objectives of restoring peace, dispersal of violent unlawful assembly with use of such force as is required to minimize the casualty but without compromising safety for Law Enforcement Elements and peace loving citizens. The hierarchy of usage of forces inter-alia includes use of rubber bullet/ plastic bullets.
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