JAMMU: After taking a defensive posture on the use of pellet guns at the peak of volatile situation in Kashmir valley between July-0ctober 2016 the Union Government is all set to give its nod to the security forces to use them again in a calibrated manner for effective crowd control exercise.
The decision on the contentious issue would be arrived at a high level security review meeting in the national capital soon.
The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier set up a committee to review the decision on the use of pellet guns. A blanket ban on the use of pellet guns was never proposed, official sources said claiming it may stage a comeback if repeated incidents of stone pelting on security forces would continue during crucial anti-terror operations.
It is learnt the high level Home Ministry panel on pellet guns had recommended that it may be used in rarest of rare case, or as an emergency measure in Jammu and Kashmir.
A day after the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat took a tough stand against those obstructing anti-terror operations at least two senior union ministers welcomed the stern message claiming National Interest is supreme.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the Army Chief’s assertion is in national interest.
“Anybody who acts against it will be treated as someone who has not done his duty,” Rijiju told media persons in New Delhi.
Echoing similar emotions, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh lauded the armed forces for protecting the nation with utmost sincerity and dedication. “If we are safe today and we are able to carry our daily activities according to our wishes merely because we are safely guarded by our security forces. It is in the interest of the army that no interference is made in its work,” Singh said.
“We sleep when they wake. When we eat, they stay hungry.
Therefore, we owe to the Indian Army and we should allow them to perform their task and their responsibilities professionally to the best of their wisdom and ability,” he added.
Reiterating the government’s stand on zero tolerance towards terrorism, Singh said, “The attempt to intimidate youth is now even known by them. Perpetrators of terrorism also need to be brought to book”.