Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide) shells will replace the use of pump action shotguns in Jammu and Kashmir within two months. An expert committee set up by the ministry had suggested the chilli-based, "less lethal" ammunition as an alternative to the criticised pellet guns.
While briefing the media on the all-party delegation meeting in Srinagar that was held on Sunday, he criticised separatist leaders for refusing to hold talks with them, saying it showed that they did not stand for "insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and jamuriyat". He added that a few members of the delegation had met the leaders in their individual capacity after the meeting.
Singh also emphasised that Kashmir "is, was and will always remain an integral part of India". "We are all of the view that things in Kashmir need to improve," he said, adding that they were "fully cooperating" with the state government to "restore normalcy" in the Valley.
The home minister's statements follow reports that alleged that the Mehbooba Mufti government had not discussed the violence in Kashmir during the all-party delegation meeting. Instead, representatives of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party only spoke about the release of funds by the Centre, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the use of pump action shotguns.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!