Security agencies are on alert in the valley ahead of the death anniversary of 40 CRPF jawans who were martyred in the deadly suicide attack on February 14, 2019 in Lethpora in Pulwama district. Security has been tightened in other sensitive areas including Srinagar city. Every nook and corner is under guard.
However, the security agencies are capable of dealing with any untoward incident. On Friday, security agencies conducted a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar. Meanwhile, checkpoints have also been set up in sensitive areas. Last Wednesday also, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Kashmir Zone IG VK Birdi had held a security review meeting. Special Operation Group (SOG) of police and personnel of other security agencies conducted CASO at Lal Chowk on Friday.
Officials said that during this period, the busy business center and several hotels and lodges in and around it were checked. The security personnel collected details of the people living and working there from the hotel owners and also verified them. This operation was conducted as a precaution keeping in mind the security concerns. Lal Chowk, being a high-profile and important place, remains under strict surveillance during special occasions.
Security forces maintained their presence in the area. Checking was done systematically. Traffic movement was regulated for a while. However, normal activity resumed soon after. Sources said the objective of the operation was to prevent any potential security threat and ensure that no suspicious activity remains unnoticed. Such operations are part of routine preventive measures to maintain law and order in sensitive areas. Apart from Lal Chowk, security has also been increased in many other sensitive areas. Blocks are being searched.
Recently, VK Birdi, IG, Kashmir Zone, Jammu and Kashmir Police, chaired a high-level Joint Security Review Meeting at the Police Control Room, Kashmir in view of the anniversary of the Pulwama attack, the upcoming visit of Vice President CP Radhakrishnan to the valley and other upcoming important events.
Senior officers of police, intelligence agencies, army, railways and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployed in Kashmir zone attended the meeting. During this, the IG gave instructions to increase security at tourist places, railway stations and national highways and also stressed on maintaining inter-agency coordination.