The use of pellet guns by the RAF has been confirmed during the protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20. According to CRPF sources, a soldier fired seven rounds, seriously injuring three protesters.

Protests at Jantar Mantar on July 20

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) did indeed use pellet guns to control the unruly crowd during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. CRPF sources have confirmed this. However, CRPF DG GP Singh has requested a day or two for an official statement on the entire incident to clarify the circumstances under which the pellet guns were used.

According to reports, an RAF soldier used a pellet gun. He fired seven bullets, seriously injuring three protesters. All three are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Delhi-NCR. The use of pellet guns has also sparked a political firestorm. The opposition is fully prepared to corner the government in Parliament.

In what circumstances is a pellet gun used?

In fact, RAF personnel have a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the use of their weapons. Under what circumstances and how to use their weapons. RAF personnel are equipped with batons, tear gas shells, and pellet guns. During any protest, not all RAF personnel deployed to control the crowd are equipped with pellet guns. Only a few soldiers in a company are provided with pellet guns. To disperse a violent crowd, an attempt is made to disperse them by hitting them with sticks. After that, if the crowd resorts to stone pelting, tear gas shells are used to disperse them. After that, pellet guns are used.

Information on operating a pellet gun

The news of the pellet gun firing comes on a day when the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is celebrating its 88th foundation day (Monday, July 27). The RAF is a specialized force of the CRPF, specifically raised to handle responsibilities such as violent protests, crowd control, and law and order situations. The uniform of RAF personnel is also different from that of the CRPF. The uniform of the RAF is blue to distinguish it from the police. This makes RAF personnel stand out when controlling protests.

Where did the pellet gun controversy first arise?

The pellet gun controversy first surfaced in the Kashmir Valley nearly a decade ago. Following the encounter of terrorist leader Burhan Wani, security forces were pelted with stones at various locations throughout the Kashmir Valley. In such a situation, the CRPF used pellet guns to control the crowds. During this time, a large number of protesters were injured by pellet pellets. Each pellet bullet contains approximately a dozen small pellets, causing numerous small wounds on the body of the victim. The most serious injury is caused by an eye injury. A pellet bullet hitting the eye area can be quite serious.

The question of human rights in Kashmir

When this impacted local residents in Kashmir, human rights concerns were raised worldwide. Consequently, security forces significantly reduced the use of pellet guns. However, after three protesters were injured at Jantar Mantar, pellet guns are once again in the news. It is believed that after the detailed report on the use of pellet guns at Jantar Mantar, the CRPF and RAF may once again revise their SOPs for violent protests.