Security beefed ahead of R-Day in valley

Srinagar: The security apparatus on Saturday was further beefed up in this winter capital in run up to the January 26 celebrations next week.

Correspondents said that amid heightened tension over the flag hoisting row and possible militant attacks, security in Srinagar and other major towns and districts of the Valley today was further increased.

In Srinagar, the capital city police joined by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers carried out surprise checks of vehicles and pedestrians at many places to keep a check on the activities of suspected persons and to ensure trouble free Jan-26 celebrations. Dozens of check points were erected in the city areas, including Rambagh, SK Park, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High streets, Budshah, Chowk, Maisuma and Ganta Ghar, where pedestrians and the vehicles were subjected to thorough checks.

Stringent security measures have also been put in place near the Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the January 26, celebrations. At many roads leading to the venue, troops and police were seen frisking people and asking for the identity cards. Security around vital installations has also been beefed up apprehending militant attacks to disrupt the January 26 celebrations.

Meanwhile, reports of heightened security were also received from twin districts of Baramulla and Kupwara in North Kashmir.

Correspondent from North Kashmir said that police and CRPF carried out surprise checking at many places in Baramulla district of the valley. The forces, correspondent said were seen carrying out searches of all the passenger and private vehicles on the Kupwara-Baramulla and Baramulla-Srinagar highway.

Similar reports were received from frontier Kupwara district.

Pertinently, several pro-freedom parties have given a strike call to protest the January 26 celebrations in the state.