Connect with us

NATIONAL

Amnesty's campaign calls for end to use of pellet-firing shotguns in Kashmir | KNO

Amnesty International India launches postcard campaign and online petition to #BanPelletGuns Postcards and petition urge J&K state government to ban pellet-firing shotguns, provide reparation to those affected, and set up independent investigations into cases of deaths or serious injuries Amnesty International India will submit signed postcards and petition to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

Published

on

kno news

Pellet-firing pump-action shotguns have been responsible for killing, blinding and injuring thousands of people in Kashmir, said Amnesty International India, as it launched a postcard campaign and online petition today seeking a ban on the use of the shotguns. The campaign aims to bring people from across Jammu and Kashmir to write postcards to the state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. “It is shameful that the serious concerns raised repeatedly regarding the use of pellet-firing guns have failed to receive sufficient attention from the state government,” said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. “The use of pellet shotguns is inherently inaccurate and indiscriminate. These so called ‘non-lethal’ weapons have killed at least 14 people since July 2016. Thousands more have suffered extensive and debilitating physical and psychological harm. It is unconscionable for authorities to continue using pellet-firing shotguns despite being aware of the damage they cause.” “Through this campaign, we want to send a message to the state government that the people of Kashmir want an immediate end to the use of pellet-firing shotguns. The voices of the victims and those who stand in solidarity with them must be heard,” said Zahoor Wani, Campaigner, Amnesty International India. The state government admitted recently in the state legislative assembly that 6,221 persons had received pellet shotgun injuries, including 782 eye injuries, between July 2016 and February 2017, Additional information In September 2017, Amnesty International India released a briefing, “Losing Sight in Kashmir: The Impact of Pellet-Firing Shotguns”, which documented cases of 88 people whose eyesight was either temporarily or permanently damaged by metal pellets fired by security forces between 2014 and 2017. Amnesty International India also obtained information, which suggests that at least 16 Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police personnel suffered pellet injuries in 2016. Security forces have used metal pellet-firing shotguns for crowd control in the Kashmir valley since at least 2010. When pellet shotguns are fired, a large number of small metal pellets spread indiscriminately over a wide area. There is no way to control the accuracy, trajectory or direction of the pellets. Due to their inherently inaccurate and indiscriminate nature, the weapons have a high risk of causing serious and permanent injury to everyone in the area. The use of pellet shotguns in Kashmir violates international standards on the use of force. The UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials states that law enforcement officials may use force “only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty”. The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms states that force should only be used when “unavoidable”, and law enforcement officials should “exercise restraint” in using force and “minimize damage and injury”.

Trending

TOP STORIES7 hours ago

Refrain from disclosing identity of children in need of care, protection: CWC Sgr | KNO

TOP STORIES7 hours ago

Tragedy Strikes Again: Minor Girl Mauled to Death by Leopard in Budgam Village, 2nd Attack in Past 17 Days | KNO

TOP STORIES7 hours ago

Man jumps into river Jhelum near Zaina Kadal | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Illegally acquired property of notorious drug peddler attached in Bla: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

ADGP L&O reviews preparedness for upcoming elections | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents protest against power paucity in Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Missing girl from Chasana, Reasi recovered within 2 days: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents decry contaminated water supply during Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Budgam residents concerned over deteriorating road conditions | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Congress leader Harbans Bral joins BJP in Jammu | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Shopian, Pir Panjal residents demand reopening of Mughal Road for traffic | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Dry, hollow chinar trees risk lives of students, people in Ganderbal’s Saloora | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Ten Injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Poonch | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

‘Don’t be fooled’: Omar cautions against believing AFSPA repeal promises | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

J&K’s avian diversity surges: Study identifies 592 bird species | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Aqua Cycle: A new attraction in Srinagar's Dal Lake draws tourists, locals | KNO

TOP STORIES9 hours ago

Jammu comes to standstill as commercial vehicles remain off the road on the strike call of transporters | KNO

Copyright © 2021