Security forces find PAVA shells ineffective

Security forces are finding chilli filled PAVA shells not much effective because of the delayed release of smoke which allows protestors the time to hurl it back on them.

Sources said following the complaints, the BSF's Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) in Tekanpur has been asked to improvise the PAVA shells by speeding up the release of smoke from the shells as well as bring down the velocity of the projectile so that it does not cause grievous injury to the protestors.

"When PAVA shells were used by the security forces that found that the delay of few seconds in its melting down and release of smoke is proving counterproductive as it allowed the protestors to pick it up with a damp cloth and throw back at the security forces," said sources adding that the new improved version of PAVA will be soon released.

An expert committee constituted by the union home ministry had suggested PAVA shells as a non-lethal alternative to the pellet guns to control violent crowds of protestors.

PAVA stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, also called Nonivamide, is an organic compound found characteristically in natural chilli pepper. Its use severely irritate and paralyse humans, but in a temporary fashion and does have any long term side effects.