Forces on full alert in Kashmir, attack feared

Srinagar, Oct 30: Different security force agencies have been asked to remain on high alert following intelligence inputs that militants will try to strike before the seat of the government reopens in winter capital of the state, Jammu on November 6.

Security forces deployed in the summer capital, Srinagar and all other major towns of the Kashmir valley have intensified search operations, frisking of pedestrians and searching of vehicles.

Official sources said that there are intelligence reports about the militant plans to carry out car bomb blasts, grenade and fidayeen attacks in the valley.

They said militants used to cause blasts or carry out attacks at crowded places before the seat of the government shifts to Jammu an annual practice since 1990.

A UNI correspondent saw all pedestrians, shopkeepers and customers lined up at Gurdwara chowk, near the historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the valley this afternoon.

The Amira Kadal bridge was closed for traffic after the security forces sealed the entire area from Court road. Traffic was diverted to Badshah bridge, leading to long traffic jams.

Security forces were seen frisking people and checking their identity cards before allowing them to leave the sealed area.

''We have instructions from the top to remain alert and foil any militant attempt to strike in the city,'' a security force official said, while physically searching a pedestrian in the area.

He said militants killed police and security force personnel and also hurled hand grenades in the area area early this month.

Security forces do not want to take any chance as the Civil Lines area always remains the main target of militants because of its importance, he added.

However, some suspected persons were questioned during the operation who were later released after they were found innocent.

Security forces have also started searches of all vehicles entering into city from rural and outskirts to foil any militant attempt to smuggle in arms and ammunition.

Similar operations were also being conducted in other major towns of the valley.

UNI

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