On the way: Less harmful crowd-control weapons
: Stung by criticism for using pellet guns against protesters, especially in Srinagar, paramilitary forces are now preparing to deploy new crowd-control devices — long range acoustic devices (LRADs) that cause a deafening sound, sticky foam that could immobilise a protestor, shock batons and the world’s hottest chilli pepper, Bhut jolokia of Assam.
The weapons, currently under trial, are being introduced with the intent to boost the usage of “non-lethal” or “less lethal” technology during unrest, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, senior paramilitary officials told HT.
The weapons will be will put to use by Rapid Action Force (RAF), the specialised riot-control wing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), as soon as the DRDO clears them. As the RAF is
NEW DELHI
not deployed in Kashmir, the CRPF, which is responsible for controlling civil unrest in valley, is likely to use the “less lethal” weapons, given that the defence and home ministry back them.
Among the weapons that are being currently tested are long- range acoustic devices (LRAD), that are designed to scare away people with the high-pitched sound it emits.
A similar weapon was first designed by Israel and was named “The Scream”. It was used by US forces in Iraq as a means of crowd control.