Patna: The Bihar Police has issued new guidelines restricting the routine use of assault rifles such as the AK-47, INSAS and SLR for controlling protesters and crowds, following controversy over the use of an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan.
Under the new guidelines, these weapons can be used only as a last resort in extremely grave and exceptional circumstances, particularly when there is an immediate and serious threat to the lives of civilians or police personnel.
Less-lethal methods to be prioritised
Police personnel have been directed to assess the situation before using force during protests or incidents involving unruly crowds.
They must first attempt to control situations using less-lethal and other alternative methods. Assault rifles are not to be treated as routine crowd-control weapons.
The guidelines also stress that any use of force must be proportionate to the situation and strictly necessary. Excessive force is not permitted.
Siwan protest triggered controversy
The new instructions follow the controversy surrounding a student protest in Siwan in July over an alleged question paper leak.
A video circulated on social media showed a police constable allegedly firing an AK-47 during the protest. The incident triggered criticism from opposition parties and social organisations, which questioned the deployment of an assault rifle during a student agitation.
The matter subsequently became a political and administrative issue, following which the then Siwan SP, Puran Kumar Jha, was removed from his post.
Government tells Supreme Court shots were fired in air
The Bihar government subsequently presented its account of the incident before the Supreme Court.
According to the state government’s submission, the situation had become tense after a mob surrounded a police constable. The constable fired four rounds from his assault rifle, but the government said the shots were fired into the air and that there were no reports of anyone being hit or injured.
The government also told the Supreme Court that police had exercised restraint while dealing with the protesters and had not used excessive force.
Greater scrutiny of police action
The new guidelines are expected to place greater emphasis on accountability during protests and crowd-control operations.
Police personnel will have to assess the seriousness of a situation before deploying firearms and ensure that any use of an assault rifle is justified by the circumstances and complies with the new instructions.
