Life remains affected in areas adjacent to J and K Assembly

Srinagar, Aug 4 (UNI) Unprecedented security arrangements in view of the threat perception affected normal activities in the areas adjacent to Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (LA) complex in the heart of the city.

All roads leading to the complex, where the legislative session is going on, have been sealed for security reasons, affecting business of shopkeepers in the nearby areas.

The six day session cost us dearly as we could hardly do any business during all these days, the businessmen said. ''Today on the last day of the assembly session it was worst as the area remained under security for the whole day becuase of two sittings in the Legislative Assembly,'' they added.

They said the area remained closed for all activities since morning till the house was adjourned and ministers left for their homes.

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

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

Pedestrians, including school children, had to take a longer route in heavy rains to reach their destinations.

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

Official sources said they do not want to take any chance after the October One, 2001 fidayeen attack on the complex in which more than 40 people were killed and scores injured.

Mediapersons, who too had to cover half a km distance on foot in heavy rains, were frisked at two places, before they were allowed to enter the complex. Their passes issued by the Assembly 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 Jhelum river or in mid-air without causing any damage.

UNI BAS LS KN1941