Security arrangements affect normal life in valley

Srinagar, July 31 (UNI) Unprecedented security arrangements in the Legislative Complex, nearby localities and a ban on traffic movement at Badshah Chowk in view of the Assembly and Council session, affected the normal life today.

Traffic was, however, resumed after both the houses were adjourned till tomorrow.

The District Magistrate, (Srinagar) has prohibited the assembling of general public within the jurisdiction of police stations in Batamaloo, Shaeedgunj, Maisuma, Kohiti Bagh and Ram Munishi Bagh till summer sessions in Legislative Assembly and Council are over.

Traffic on all routes leading to the complex was suspended and vehicles forced to take alternative longer routes to reach their destination after the road from Jehangir Chowk to Badshah Chowk was closed.

Pedestrains were also not allowed and the business of the shopkeepers, in close vicinity of the complex, was badly affected due to restrictions. School buses too had to take alternative route because of the restrictions.

Sharp shooters with automatic weapons were deployed at all high rise buildings in and around the legislative complex, at Maulana Azad Road, Shergrahi, Badshah Chowk, Lal Chowk and Jehangir Chowk.

''We donot want to take any chance,'' official sources said remembering the October 1, 2001 fidayeen attack on the complex in which more than 40 people were killed and scores injured.

Mediapersons were frisked at six places, before they were allowed to enter the complex. Their passes issued by the Assembly and Council secretariat were also properly verified.

Militants have made a number of abortive bids to target the complex by firing rifle grenades and rockets from different areas.

However, each time the grenades and rockets missed the intended target and exploded either in river Jhelum or in mid-air without causing any damage.

UNI BAS PR DB1821