DRDO develops non-lethal devices to tackle protesters, Naxals

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing crowd-control devices which can help paramilitary forces handle the kind of violent protests taking place in Kashmir these days, without resorting to firing.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing crowd-control devices which can help paramilitary forces handle the kind of violent protests taking place in Kashmir these days, without resorting to firing.

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Other technology being developed will enable paramilitary forces in Naxal-affectred areas to detect land mines, which have taken a heavy toll of lives.

The DRDO-developed device, which could be effective in handling situations like stone-throwing protestors in Kashmir Valley, is the ''dazzler'', a high intensity light, which is expected to dazzle and temporarily disorient crowds at whom it is directed. The stone throwers can be temporarily blinded thereby allowing the police to approach and apprehend them.

Dazzler devices will, in most situations, obviate the need to open fire on violent protestors.

Information about this and other similar devices was disclosed to reporters on Monday by a team of senior DRDO officials, including Anil Kumar Maini, Director of DRDO's Laser System and Technology Centre.

Manini said dazzlers could ideally be fitted onto armoured vehicles and helicopters.