Security on high alert in Kashmir in view of the assembly session

Srinagar, July 18 (UNI) A fresh alert has been issued in the Kashmir valley, particularly in the summer capital, Srinagar, following intelligence inputs that militants will try to carry out attacks during the assembly session, commencing tomorrow.

The traffic police has closed all roads leading to Legislative complex on the bank of the river Jehlum, imposing a blanket ban on the traffic movement.

A UNI correspondent who visited the legislative complex today, a day before the start of the session, saw Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons, guarding the streets.

Adequate security force personnel had been deployed at the main gate and near the two drop gates inside the complex. Sharp shooters have also taken position on the security towers in the complex, keeping a close watch on the river side, Maisuma and Budshah Chowk with the help of binoculars.

Security forces were also seen patrolling in boats to thwart any possible attack from the river side.

Militants fired rockets and grenades towards the complex in the past, particularly during the nineties. However, each time the rockets and grenades exploded after missing the intended target without causing any damage.

However, more than 40 people were killed in a fidayeen attack on the complex on October 1 2001. A fidayeen also entered the complex but was killed before he could cause any harm to the legislators who were in the Legislative Council and Assembly halls.

Another fidayeen died after he blew up an explosive ladden vehicle near the main gate.

A security force official, directing drivers not to stop their vehicle in the complex area, said we are ready to face any eventuality.

We will not allow anti national elements to succeed in their attempt to disrupt the peace, he said.

A police official who checked the vehicle of this correspondent at Rambagh on Srinagar-Airport road said they were looking for two white maruti cars.

We have orders to check all the white maruti cars entering the city from outskirts, he said.

Official sources said that there was intelligence inputs that militants may carry out attacks in the city using stolen vehicle.

Security forces were also frisking pedestrians in the city.

In view of the threat perception, the traffic department has decided to close busy Budshah bridge, directing people to use longer alternative routes to reach their destinations.

UNI