Kashmir under multi-layer security blanket for Jan 26

A multi-layer security cover has been put in place across Kashmir even as Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar is all set to host its first main official function of January 26.

All roads leading to the venue have been sealed with barricades with policemen and CRPF personnel standing guard near the check-points. 

Srinagar has literally been turned into a military fortress with at least 40 check points and nakas established from Jehangir Chowk to Dalgate on one side and from Amira Kadal to Ram Munshi Bagh on the other. “One can see checkpoints, frisking and searches being conducted by the police and CRPF everywhere in Srinagar. Every year, January 26 brings lot of trouble for common Kashmiris,” a local resident said.

A senior police officer said that more than 100 forces personnel that include special commandos, sharp-shooters and Quick Action Team (QAT) personnel of paramilitary CRPF have been asked to maintain vigil atop the Sulaiman Hills near the main venue.

“Inside the venue, Close Circuit Television Cameras have been installed at various points to keep a close watch on the suspects,” the official said. “A separate entry point has been made for the VIPs and there is also a separate entry for locals and media personnel.”

This is for the first time that SK Stadium is hosting R-day parade as the traditional venue Bakshi Stadium is undergoing renovation. The change in venue has forced police to work out a fresh security plan.

Additional director general of police Muneer Khan said that all arrangements are in place to ensure smooth and hassle free R-day function in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir. He admitted that police and other security agencies took tough security measures “only to keep the militants at bay.” “The grenade lobbing incidents are only because of our heightened security measures. Militants aren’t able to strike in a big way as our men are alert everywhere,” he said.

Khan said all the “humanly possible” measures have been taken to keep the militants at bay.

Asked whether there was a deployment of sharp-shooters and special commandoes on the Sulaiman Hills, Khan, who also holds the charge of Kashmir police chief, said: “Yes since past couple of days we have deployed our men on the Sulaiman Hills. I won’t say the number, but yes, men with weapons are deployed there to maintain vigil and to foil any possible strike by militants.”

He also said that on the footpath stretch outside the venue at least five to eight bullet-proof morchas (bunkers) have been set up.

Security has been beefed up in all the districts of Kashmir to ensure smooth R-Day functions.

The police has ruled out any specific threat from militants, but maintain that “militants may strike” as it was difficult to know about militant plans in advance.  

An official communiqué, a copy of which lies with Greater Kashmir reads that an input received from credible channel suggests that a group comprising of Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres is currently located in Harwan area of Srinagar. “The group intends to carry out attack on security/ government establishment on/before the Republic Day. Separately, it is learnt that Jaish-e-Muhammad is also planning to carry out fidayeen attack on the security establishment in Jammu region,” it reads. 

Earlier, a police communiqué had suggested that a woman suicide bomber from Yederwada, Pune, Maharahstra had reached Kashmir to carry out a suicide attack on forces. It may be recalled that on January 20, two Jaish-e-Muhammad militants gave slip to police and CRPF at Owante Bhawan near Soura on city outskirts, however, an alleged over ground worker (OGW) was arrested and the car in which militants were travelled was also seized and some arms recovered.