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Troops on High Alert in Srinagar

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 14: In view of the recent upsurge in militant violence in Kashmir, Indian para-military and police personnel have been placed on maximum alert in the summer capital to thwart any militant attack.

At least 11 militants and seven Indian army personnel have been killed in three major encounters in North Kashmir recently. The militants have also carried out attacks on Indian army, para-military and police personnel in other parts of the Valley.

The rise in the militant violence has been a cause of worry for the Indian security agencies operating in Kashmir. "Normally at this point of time, the militants would reduce their activities, but this time there is a turn around and militants have instead intensified their activities", a top police officer said on condition of anonymity.

He said that they received intelligence inputs that militants are planning to carry out strikes in the summer capital, Srinagar. "We are determined to thwart any attempts by militants to carry out attacks in Srinagar", he added.

Keeping in view the intelligence reports, the police and para-military personnel have intensified their patrolling in the summer capital. They have been conducting surprise combing and search operations in the city centre over the past few days. "This is beeing done to prevent the militants from entering Srinagar and carrying out strikes", a para-military officer said.

The security apparatus around major government and army installations has also been beefed up. Additional army, para-military and police personnel have been deployed at these places to keep the militants at bay.

Most of the passenger and light motor vehicles entering Srinagar from other parts of the Valley are being thoroughly searched by the army, para-military and police personnel in different parts. "This is being done to prevent militants from transporting explosives and ammunition from one place to another", a paramilitary officer said.

Troops have taken over tall buildings to maintain tight vigil on the movement of people.

Besides setting up of additional check posts at all major points in the city, further barricades have been put up at all entry and exit points to keep a tight check on vehicles.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.