Srinagar deserted ahead of R-Day, security upgraded

Srinagar, Jan 25 (UNI) A day ahead of the Republic Day, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir virtually wears a deserted look as tension mounted across the Valley following an increase in militancy -related incidents over the past few days.

A massive security blanket was thrown in the entire Kashmir valley, particularly the Srinagar city, while sharpshooters have taken positions all around the Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the Republic Day function here.

Barricades have been erected around the stadium and nearby areas extensively searched to foil any attempt by militants to create large-scale disturbances in the Kashmir valley ahead of January 26.

Snipers with electronic surveillance gadgets have been positioned on rooftops of buildings to maintain a strict vigil over the area around the Bakshi stadium.

Militants, in the past, have fired several rocket-propelled grenades toward the stadium from nearby high-rise buildings.

Very less traffic plied on the roads. While private vehicles were nearly off the roads, a few public transport could be seen ferrying passengers to their respective destinations.

Shops and other business establishments were open, but very few customers could be seen buying goods.

Shopkeepers have blamed the drastic slump in business activities on stringent security measures. According to Federation Chamber and Industries Kashmir (FCIK) president Shakeel Qalandhar, a whopping Rs 300 crore transactions got affected by the market slump a week ahead of the Republic Day.

However, vegetable vendors and mutton-chicken shops did brisk business in view of the complete shutdown called by several militant and separatist groups in Kashmir tomorrow.

The Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council, an amalgam of several militant outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hizbul Mujahideen, both groups of the Hurriyat Conference, rival factions of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and other separatist groups have called for a general strike on the Republic Day.

The Save Kashmir Movement, a militant outfit, has asked the people and the students to stay away from Republic Day celebrations.

The government employees and other officials should also remain away from the celebrations on January 26, it said in a statement to the local media here recently.

The outfit also asked the state Cultural Academy and other organisations not to send students on the Republic Day functions.

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