Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh’s directions to the paramilitary forces to refrain from using pellet guns seems to have fallen on deaf ears with over 50 people receiving pellet injuries in last two days in Kashmir.
As many as 42 people were hit by pellets during clashes that broke out in downtown area of the city on Tuesday following the lifting of curfew after 17 days.
Medical Superintendent of SMHS hospital, Dr Nazir Chowdhary said: “We received 42 cases yesterday. And they all have been hit by pellets.”
“On Wednesday also seven cases have been reported from Chattabal, Safa Kadal, Kokernag and Pulwama,” Dr Chowdhary said. “Majority of them had eye injuries which were caused due to pellets. Others had sustained stone injuries and were beaten up by police.”
At Bone and Joint hospital, two cases of pellet injury were reported on Tuesday. Medical Superintendent of Bone and Joint hospital, Dr Abdul Rashid Budoo said: “Yesterday two patients came up with pellet injuries. Today as of now no injury has been reported.”
According to the statement presented by Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), Dr Kaiser Ahmad Koul before the High Court on Tuesday, 185 persons with pellets injuries were treated at SMHS hospital, and 20 of them have both their eyes damaged.
“148 have been operated (primary intervention done) and four patients referred to All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for further treatment.”
Around 130 patients need secondary intervention after 3 to 4 weeks, which includes retinal surgeries. The high court has also directed the government forces to avoid using pellet guns as most people have suffered visual disability after being hit by pellets.
Rajnath Singh’s directive falls on deaf ears, Over 50 civilians hit by pellets in 2 days
