Scrambled Signal: Mobile services disrupted in Kashmir
• Security beefed up, Cops conduct random searches, Army intensifies patrolling
• Investigation on to nab attackers: IGP
After series of attacks on mobile vendors and installations, the mobile services in Kashmir valley remained disrupted on Tuesday.
The mobile operators closed their services and shut mobile towers in some parts of Kashmir, leading to disruption in mobile services in parts of North Kashmir, South Kashmir and outskirts of Srinagar.The lockdown follows attacks on mobile vendors and mobile installations by gunmen after seizure of their hitech communication device from a mobile tower in sensitive Sopore township in Baramulla district.
Two people – a mobile vendor and a person, who had given his premise on rent for installation of mobile tower – were killed and three others injured in series of attacks in North Kashmir and Srinagar.
After these attacks, police have beefed up security across the Valley to curb attacks on mobile vendors and installations.
The police and paramilitary personnel were conducting random searches of vehicles and commuters in Srinagar and some other parts of the Valley
IGP Kashmir range SJM Gilani said heavy security apparatus has been put in place to prevent the militant attacks, which have already killed two and triggered panic among the people associated with telecommunication business.
“We have beefed up security in all areas of Srinagar and other parts of the Valley as a preventive measure,” he said.
Asked about police investigation in these attacks, IGP said, “We have taken all stakeholders into confidence and investigation is going on”.
“We are working on something and we should be able to get the results soon,” he said adding police is also in touch with army.
An army official told that army has also intensified patrolling and other activities across the Valley.
“We have intensified patrolling in the areas, where we operate. Besides, we have also approached the business owners vulnerable to threats,” he said.
Asked about role of army in helping to crack the case, the official said investigation falls in the domain of police and army can only provide intelligence.
“We cannot jump into investigation but the information and intelligence is being shared between various agencies and organizations,” he added.
