Several pellet victims today stage demonstrations here to press for their demand to ban pellet guns in Kashmir.
The victims assembled at Press Enclave under the banner ofPellet Victims Welfare Trust. (PVWT).
“We demand ban on pellet guns as hundreds of people in allage groups have been blinded by pellets,” the protestors said.
Among the protestors was youngest pellet victim of Kashmir,Hiba Nisar, who was accompanied by her mother.
On 23 November last year Hiba, who was then 18-months old,was hit by pellets in her eye during protests at Kapran village in Shopiandistrict. Later, her family said government had extended financial help toHibba and deposited Rs one lakh in her account for three years.
“Till now, we have spent around Rs four lakh on Hiba’streatment to regain her eye sight” said Hiba’s mother Marsala Jan.
“We want end to useof pellet guns. I as a mother can feel the pain of all mothers whose sons anddaughters have been hit with pellets,” she added.
She said that Hiba has to visit hospital in Srinagar every15 days for check up. “Pellets have ruined her life. She weeps during night andday due to pain.
Hiba has undergone two surgeries as she had suffered cornealperforation due to pellets. Doctors have maintained that the treatment is along-drawn process and we have to take lot of precautions to ensure that shedoesn’t get any complications,” she said.
Muhammad Ashraf Wani, president PVWT said “continuing use of pellet shotguns in Jammu and Kashmir is snatching not only the eye-sight of youth but isalso impacting their livelihood.”
“Hundreds of youth who have been rendered withoutvision in their eye-sight are struggling to make ends meet. PVWT advocates forimmediate banning of pellet shot guns in Kashmir, as their continuous use willonly render more youth blind. The burden has been immense on the pellet victimsand their families, both financially and psychologically,” Wani added.