Srinagar saw a return to frequent frisking and identification in the aftermath of civilian killings on Tuesday as security was tightened around the city.
The security was increased up since Wednesday morning, as large contingents of police and paramilitary forces were seen deployed on roads.
Random frisking and identification checks were carried out various points in the city.
The joint parties of police and security forces also erected checkpoints and installed mobile bullet proof bunkers to carry out frisking of commuters and pedestrians.
At some places including TRC crossing, Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk,M A Road, Bemina, Parimpora, Bypass, the joint team of police and CRPF were seen checking the public and private vehicles and identity cards of the occupants.
Sources said that more security personnel, along with the flying squad, were deployed in Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Regal Chowk, TRC Chowk, Polo View and the areas around the city centre.
The heightened security in Srinagar comes amid a spurt in civilian killings over the last three days. Police claim that the killings are being executed by militants to “spread terror and to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere” in the Valley.
Back to the old days
Various commuters reported that while traveling from public transport were asked to get down and then frisked in a return to the days of 90’s when this used to be the norm.
On Tuesday, unknown gunmen shot dead a prominent pharmacist Makhan Lal Bindroo and two others, including a non-local vendor in three back to back attacks within an hour in this capital city and north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
While on Saturday Majid Guroo, from Chattabal was shot dead around 5:30pm near Madina Complex in Karan Nagar area of the city. Another civilian Muhammad Shafi Dar of SD SD Colony, Batamaloo was shot dead outside his house.