Use of pellet guns in Delhi protests revive Kashmir trauma
Weapon used against Kashmiris now used against Indians: Observers
New Delhi: In India, the use of pellet guns against protesters in Delhi during the Cockroach Janta Party agitation has sparked India-wide debate while reopening old wounds in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the weapon has been used extensively against peaceful demonstrators for years.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Delhi protests, led by students demanding education reforms, ended with the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, the use of pellet guns against demonstrators has overshadowed the victory and raised concerns about the Indian government’s approach to handling dissent.
Critics have questioned why such force was used against peaceful protesters in the Indian capital, drawing parallels to the devastation caused in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the use of pellet guns, highlighting the tragic toll they have taken in Kashmir.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned pellet guns as a “cruel weapon” that causes disproportionate harm, and the international community has raised concerns about their use in the occupied territory. Hospital records from occupied Kashmir highlight the devastating impact of pellet gun injuries, with countless young Kashmiris left blinded or permanently disabled.
The Delhi incident has reignited calls for a ban on pellet guns, with activists urging the Indian government to adopt less lethal methods of crowd control. Human rights groups have called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for the government to ensure that such weapons are no longer used against citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
Commenting on the issue, observers said: “It is natural that when you use a weapon which is used against people who you deem your enemies, one day same weapon will be used against your own people.”
As the debate continues, victims of pellet gun injuries in both Delhi and occupied Kashmir await justice and accountability. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms in crowd control measures and the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens.
