Curfew-like situation in Kashmir on I-Day

Srinagar, Aug 15: Curfew-like situation prevailed in the entire summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the Valley today, on the 60th Independence Day with security being upgraded to an all time high.

Only security personnel and policemen in large numbers could be seen on roads and streets of the city.

While a large number of people from Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir preferred to stay indoors, many of them had already left for various tourist places in the state to ''escape the hassles of unprecedented security and threat of militant attacks''.

The authorities have sounded a terror alert across the state and put in place massive security arrangements. The entire summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir has virtually turned into a fortress even as security personnel have been spread far and wide in the state to foil militant attempt to disturb peace.

Sharp shooters and commandos have been deployed in strength in all sensitive areas and vital installations in the state.

Security forces had detained more than 150 former militants and anti-social elements as preventive arrests in the entire Valley ahead of the Independence Day.

Both Srinagar and Jammu airports have been declared as the hyper-sensitive airports in the country. Frisking and checking of passengers, visitors and vehicles entering the Airport premises have been intensified and multi-tier security apparatus put in place.

Armed with snipers and electronic surveillance gadgets, security forces could be seen on the roads manning every nook and corner of the summer capital and other parts of the Valley.

Barricades have been erected and all entry and exit points of congested lanes and by-lanes in the city, particularly downtown areas, blocked to prevent the free movement of militants.

Surveillance cameras have also been installed at various places in the city to maintain a constant vigil over sensitive spots and suspicious persons. Sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to detect hidden explosive devices.

A three-tier security had been put in place at the Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the August 15 celebrations, and declared out of bounds for civilians. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad took the salute and unfurled the tricolour there.

All roads leading to the stadium had been closed and adjacent areas extensively searched to foil any attempt by ultras to disrupt the function.

Troops had been deployed on rooftops of buildings in the area to maintain a strict vigil over the stadium. Militants, in the past, have fired rocket propelled grenades from high rise buildings at the Bakshi Stadium.

UNI

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