In Indian occupied Kashmir, Indian troops and police have started a massive frisking operation in the territory ahead of January 26, the Republic Day of India, causing immense inconvenience to the people.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the police have erected several makeshift checkpoints in Srinagar where the main official function of Indian Republic Day will be held. Over 40 checkpoints have been set-up from Hari Singh High Street to Dalgate on the one side and from Amira Kadal to Zero Bridge, on the other.
Similar ‘nakas’ have been set-up on Srinagar-Baramulla Highway and also on the entire bypass stretch from Nowgam to Hyderpora. A tight vigil is also being maintained on Srinagar-Jammu Highway, which has been declared ‘hypersensitive, apart from some other areas which have been declared ‘sensitive.
An eyewitness told media that joint teams of Indian police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are stopping passenger vehicles and asking the commuters to step out and line up for frisking and searches.
He said, the police and CRPF men stop all vehicles near Nigeen club. “I was asked to show documents of my two-wheeler and also my identity proof. A policeman also asked me where from I was coming and where I am going,” he said.
A police official told media that similar ‘nakas’ have been setup at Sanantnagar, Nowgam, Kanipora, Lasjan and other adjoining areas.
“From sudden cordon and search operations to frisking, everything is happening in Downtown Srinagar these days,” said Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta.
On the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, a massive deployment of Indian forces’ personnel has been made.
A witness said that passenger of vehicles, and those travelling on motorcycles, have to face intense frisking at Pampore, Sempora, Pantha Chowk and Sonwar areas. Another witness said that vehicles were also thoroughly frisked on Srinagar-Baramulla Highway near Shalteng, HMT and also near Pattan.
Additional Director General of Police, Muneer Khan, admitted that there are more security measures made this time compared to previous years.
