The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the use of ‘sound cannon’ devices, against protesters in Kashmir, that can emit pain-inducing sound waves, reported the DNA.
The move follows criticism of pellet guns that have left hundreds blinded for life in the valley.
Known as Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), the sonic weapon was used for the first time in Pittsburgh, US, to control an agitated crowd during a G20 summit in 2009.
“It is much needed. During an encounter with terrorists, locals start pelting stones at the forces. LRAD will help us immediately disperse the crowd and also take terrorists off guard, giving a strategic edge to our forces in action,” a senior IPS officer told DNA.
The use of LRAD has been criticised world over as the sound can cause pain in humans and permanently damage hearing. Official sources said the ministry is clear that the warning tone won’t cross the human threshold of pain and that the forces should be able to control its intensity.
The ministry has directed the Central Armed Police Forces to start the process of procuring LRADs while stressing the need for development and manufacture of the ‘sound cannons’ in the country.
