Day 55: Curbs, shutdown persist

Srinagar, Sep 28: A massive security build-up was put in place across Kashmir on Saturday – the 55^th day of the ongoing shutdown – with tight vigil coupled with intensified frisking of commuters on highway and internal roads in most districts of the valley.

Eyewitnesses said that police made announcements from the speakers fitted on police vans about restrictions.

No vehicle was allowed to pass through Abdullah Bridge. Concertina wires were laid in Amira Kadal, Maharaja Bazar and other areas to curb the movement of the people. The troops also blocked access to the main business centre of Srinagar with razor wire.

Official sources said that the restrictions were imposed to thwart protests on Saturday after some areas witnessed nocturnal protests against the abrogation of Article 370 on Friday.

All shops and business establishments remained closed for the consecutive 55th day. There was thin movement of private traffic as compared to other days while vendors and slope sellers were also not seen on roads.

Top officials said that all the vital security installations including airports, police headquarters, army installations and other security forces offices were on a “high alert.”

He said that all the camps, installations and airports are on high alert mode to deal with any possible threat or eventuality. “Intelligence inputs suggest that militants may target security installations to mark their presence,” the official said.

Another official said that night patrolling has been started within the two-kilometer radius of security forces camps in South, North and Central Kashmir besides area domination exercises are being conducted on regular basis.

About the intense frisking operations started by the security forces on all vital highways in Kashmir including Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Baramulla highway, the official said that it was a routine exercise to keep a close watch on the suspects.

Communication blockade persisted with internet and broadband remaining shut. Mobile phones also are on suspension mode.

There is no rail service while students are staying away from schools.

Shutdown was also observed in other districts and towns of Kashmir.  (KNO)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)