Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh says an alternative to pellet guns will be proposed within a few days as the Jammu and Kashmir protest continued for the 48th day. The move is in the  wake of widespread criticism of the crowd-control device that has left thousands of people in the Valley blinded.

"We want to shape future of India. If future of Kashmir is not shaped, future of India cannot be shaped too," said Singh, with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

"It is just one month and report of that committee will come within two-three days. Within few days, we will give an alternative to pellet guns.”

"In 2010, it was said pellet gun is a non lethal weapon which can cause least damage but now we feel that there should be some alternate to this," he said.

"I will only say that we are willing to talk to anyone within the ambit of Jamhooriyat, Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat," he said.

"Who are these people, who has given them permission to take up stones. Can they guarantee to shape their (youths) future. We see future of Kashmiri children linked to the future of Indian children.”

"I appeal to Kashmiri people to identify those who are trying to create such a situation in the Valley. Without the future of Kashmir, the future of India cannot exist," the minister said.

Also Read: Rajnath heads to 'Mission Kashmir'!

Nandini