Srinagar | Friday, Aug 15 : Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and down-town and parts of the uptown in Srinagar, as separatists called for a general strike today, when the country is celebrating 68th Independence Day.
All roads leading to Bakshi stadium, venue for the main ID function, have been sealed with barbed wire and bullet proof vehicles to thwart any militant attempt to enter the area and cause disturbance.
Security forces had closed all roads going to Bakshi stadium, where Chief minister Omar Abdullah unfurled the national flag.
Bullet proof vehicles had been deployed in the middle of roads at Exhibition crossing, Mahraj Bazar, Rambagh, Iqbal Park and Wazir Bagh. However, only those having valid invitation card for witnessing the ID function were allowed to move towards stadium.
Mediapersons, who were invited to cover the ID function, had to reach the Information office at 0800 hrs from where they were taken in government vehicles to stadium. No mediaperson was allowed to use his own transport to reach stadium.
Sharp shooters have been deployed on all high rise buildings, including nearby water tank, around the stadium to thwart any militant attempt to fire rockets or grenades.
In 90s militants were firing rockets and grenades towards the stadium on the ID and the Republic Day functions.
Security forces, state police personnel and Army had been deployed at some places to foil any militant attempt to cause any disturbance during the function.(agency)
