Police conducts search operation in Lal chowk area in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir police today conducted a search operation in the historic Lal chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, following intelligence inputs that militants may try to strike there.

People were taken by surprise when police personnel stopped traffic and sealed the entire area from a private school to Ganthaghar.

Shopkeepers, customers, pedestrians and students present in the cordoned-off area were directed to stand in a queue and their identity cards were checked. They were allowed to go only after proper frisking.

Students were also questioned and their bags were searched by the police personnel.

Two police personnel were killed by militants in the same area last month.

However, no one was arrested, sources said.

Official sources said search operations are being conducted following information that militants may try to strike in the crowded places.

Yesterday militants attacked security forces' pickets at two different places in the down town city, causing injuries to five personnel, including two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

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