Identification parades of people in Baramulla, Kupwara
More than a week ahead of January 26, forces have erected barricades at several places in Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir to prevent any possible militant attacks.
Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of January 26 function, has been put under a security blanket to prevent any untoward incident. Besides, security has also been strengthened in other parts of Srinagar particularly Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas.
Police sources said that security has also been beefed up at Srinagar Airport, other vital installations, prominent hotels, tourist spots and other public places.
Since Saturday morning, police and paramilitary forces erected barricades on several roads in Srinagar while armored vehicles and razor wires were placed at some junctions to restrict movement of people and traffic. The areas included TRC, Lal Chowk and Bemina.
Reports said joint contingents of police and paramilitary forces were conducted checking of vehicles at Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Iqbal Park, Barzulla, Soura, Parimpora and Bemina. Police have seized scores of bikes from Srinagar. The checking of vehicles led to traffic jams at various places in the capital city.
The vehicles entering Srinagar from other districts were being thoroughly checked at Parimpora, Bemina, Pantha Chowk and Soura.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, central Kashmir, Syed Afadul Mujtaba told Greater Kashmir that random checking is being carried out in Srinagar. “The exercise is in run up to January 26,” he said.
Security has also been beefed up in other towns and district headquarters of Kashmir. Reports reaching here from north Kashmir said that Army and police conducted surprise checks and identification parade of people in twin districts of Baramulla and Kupwara.
The forces have erected checkpoints at Seelo, Pattan and some other places on Srinagar–Kupwara Highway.
Reports of heightened security were also received from Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag (Islamabad) districts of South Kashmir.
