Time to ban firing metal pellets to disperse crowds in #Kashmir. Security forces say they deploy only in response to violence, but international law bars use of force causing indiscriminate, unnecessary harm, including against violent protesters @hrw
hrw.org/news/2020/09/0…
hrw.org/news/2020/09/0…
Dozens injured when security forces fired pellets to enforce Covid-19 restrictions, disperse peaceful Muharram procession in Srinagar. It led to violent protests, further use of force. Many more injured including 15 officers. Upholding human rights key to stop cycle of violence.
Recent UN guidance says “Multiple projectiles fired at the same time are inaccurate and, in general, their use cannot comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. Metal pellets, such as those fired from shotguns, should never be used.” ohchr.org/Documents/HRBo…
Shotguns firing metal pellets have caused 1000s of injuries, including loss of eyesight, since they were deployed as an ostensibly “non-lethal” option for crowd control in #Kashmir. The @UNHumanRights said it is a "dangerous" weapon and called for an immediate end to its use.
