Security beefed up in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir to prevent separatist strikes in the wake of an upsurge in guerrilla attacks.

“There are intelligence inputs that militants might try to carry out strikes to disrupt normal life. To prevent such strikes, we have mounted vigil across the state,” a senior intelligence officer told IANS here Friday.

Around Republic Day, Kashmir witnessed heightened tensions in the last over two decades of separatist violence, but this year the authorities have taken extraordinary steps to maintain an overwhelming presence of the security forces in summer capital Srinagar and other major cities and towns of the Valley.

All vehicles entering the city are stopped at check posts manned by the local police and the paramilitary central reserve police force (CRPF). Coils of razor-fitted wire have also been placed around every sensitive installation in the city.

Dozens of police and CRPF troopers have virtually taken over the roads, lanes and bylanes leading to the Bakshi Stadium where the main Republic Day parade will be held Jan 26.

In the last 20 days, there were 10 guerrilla strikes and encounters across Jammu and Kashmir and as many infiltration bids from across the border in the Jammu region of the state.

“More CCTVs have been installed in Srinagar and these are being closely monitored and scanned for any suspicious movements which could be related to unlawful activities,” said a senior police officer here.

“We have requested the public to immediately report any suspicious objects lying at crowded places or any suspicious human movements. The basic objective is to ensure that public life and property is protected through an adequate law and order management,” he added.

The common man has, however, been complaining of inconvenience caused because of frequent stoppage of traffic for security checks.

“I came here for medical consultation in the morning from Pulwama town. Our vehicle was stopped at six places where we were asked to get down and all our belongings were thoroughly checked. When I reached the doctor’s clinic it was already closed,” said Nisar Ahmad Bhat, 46, who belongs to south Kashmir’s Pulwama town.

Reports of extraordinary security arrangements have also come in from north Kashmir towns of Sopore, Baramulla, Bandipora, Handwara and Kupwara.

“This year, the tension seems to be more. I hope and pray that all goes well,” said Shabir Ahmad, 34, a medical department employee in Srinagar.