By IANS
Srinagar : Authorities threw a massive security blanket around this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday, a day ahead of the 60th Independence Day of India.
Paramilitary troops and police are out in strength on the streets in Srinagar enforcing strict security restrictions.
All vehicles entering Srinagar are being searched. Commuters and pedestrians are also being frisked at the drop gates and barricades set up by the local police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Massive security since last week has created inconvenience for the people here.
“It is difficult to even walk on the roads. I reached my office late as the bus I was travelling was stopped at ten places by the CRPF and police,” said Abdul Majid, a schoolteacher here.
Traffic started thinning on the roads here Tuesday afternoon with people rushing back home amid apprehensions of militant attacks.
Offices and schools registered thin attendance across the capital and other towns with people perceiving a risk in moving out and preferring to stay indoors.
“There is no other option. We have to take all precautionary measures to frustrate the designs of the militants to disrupt the Independence Day functions,” said a senior police officer here.
He said security around the Bakshi stadium, where Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad would unfurl the flag and take salute, has been made “fool proof”. “We will have three tier security around the main venue of the Independence Day functions in Kashmir tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Paramilitary commandos have been posted on all the high-rise buildings around the stadium for a close watch and roads leading to the stadium have been blocked.
Both factions of the separatist Hurriyat Conference have called for a protest shutdown on Independence Day.
Meanwhile, security forces gunned down two guerrillas of the Hizbul Mujaheedin militant outfit after a fierce gunfight during a cordon and search operation in the dense forests of Guri Hajin, 58 km from here in north Kashmir’s Bandipore district Tuesday.
Reports from other towns said tight security arrangements have been made for a peaceful Independence Day.