Srinagar, May 7
Apprehending trouble from the militants, security arrangements have been tightened for the reopening of the Civil Secretariat, here tomorrow. The offices, including that of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues, were closed in Jammu, the winter capital of the state, late last month.
The security arrangements have been further tightened in view of the stepped up suicide attacks by the militants in and around the capital city during the recent months. All preventive measures have been taken for the trouble-free reopening and functioning of the offices here, a senior police officer told TNS today. These arrangements have also been made to prevent attempts of militants to attack the Civil Secretariat.
At least three attacks of a series of rifle grenades were made on the Civil Secretariat by the militants here during last summer. However, these attacks were “failed missions”, the police officer said, adding that no harm was caused inside the premises of the Civil Secretariat.
As part of the preventive measures, the police has deployed QRTs (quick reaction teams), increased the number of flying squads and covered high-rise buildings in the vicinity of the vital installations. Surprise checking of pedestrians and vehicles is also being conducted in order to frustrate the designs of the militants to create trouble.
Traffic restrictions have already been imposed in certain areas of the Civil Lines in Srinagar. Only one-way traffic is allowed through the Lal Chowk area. All pavement dwellers have been shifted from footpaths. No parking is allowed on the roads in the area.
