Six-day J

Srinagar, July 28 (UNI) A six-day session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began here today under unprecedented security arrangements with sharp shooters deployed on all high rise buildings in and around the legislative complex.

Holding automatic weapons, the sharp shooters were guarding the deserted streets from high rise buildings with the help of binoculars on Moulana Azad road, Shergrahi, Budshah Chowk, Lal Chowk and Jehangir chowk.

All the roads, including the Badshah bridge, leading to legislative complex near here have been closed for traffic movement since early this morning and even the pedestrians were directed to take alternative route to reach their destinations.

The traffic police have already directed the people to take alternative route during the assembly session for reaching their destinations as the road from Jehangir Chowk to Badshah chowk will remain closed.

Security forces wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons have been deployed in and around the legislative complex to thwart any militant attempt during the session.

Security forces were also seen patrolling in water boats in river Jehlum.

Official sources, remembering the October 1, 2001 fidayeen attack on the complex in which more than 40 people were killed and scores injured, said, ''we do not want to take any chances.'' The fidayeen rammed the explosive lidden vehicle within the main gate of the complex and in the melee one of the militant entered the legislative council building. He was later killed by the security forces and the building was completely gutted.

The mediapersons were frisked at six places before they were allowed to enter the complex after properly verifying their passes issued by the Assembly and Council secretariat.

Security forces have also intensified foot patrolling in the nearby areas to foil any militant attempt to fire rifle grenades towards the complex.

In nineties, militants made a number of abortive bids to target the complex by firing rifle grenades and rockets from different areas. However, each time grenades and rockets missed the intended target and exploded either in the river Jehlum or in mid air without causing any damage.

UNI BAS SHB VA KN1156