SRINAGAR: Even as home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that as an alternative to pellet guns, Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide (PAVA) shells will be used for controlling mobs in Kashmir, doctors in the Valley were wary about the idea. They said though PAVA shells will not blind people, it will have strong side-effects.
Dr Tariq Qureshi, HOD, department of ophthalmology at the government medical college in Srinagar, told Hindustan Times that its use can lead to “conjunctivitis and epithelial erosion” in people and can affect their cornea.
Experts say PAVA affects the eyes foremost, causing a sharp pain. The effectiveness of the spray depends on the chemical getting into the person’s eyes.
Dr Qureshi added that although the weapon would not blind people like pellets but it will have long-term effects on those it’s used on.
Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Kashmir also issued a statement, saying PAVA shells will primarily harm eyes, lungs, and skin.
“Studies have shown a very bad effect on high deleterious effect of PAVA on asthmatics, children, elderly and patients with cardio-respiratory diseases,” the RDA statement said.