Srinagar, January 19 (KNO) : Intelligence agencies have cautioned the police and other security agencies in Kashmir about the possible threats by militants to disrupt the upcoming Republic Day function prompting the police and the paramilitary forces to test drones to keep militants at bay.
Road stretch towards Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium has already been sealed and no vehicular traffic will be allowed to ply from Zero Bridge and to Ram Munshi bagh. An intelligence officer disclosed to KNO, that there are “credible inputs” followed by the intercepts suggest that militant outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba may disrupt the upcoming R-day function in Srinagar or in South Kashmir.
“A militant movement has also been noticed in Srinagar and at various entry and exit points. Concerned security agencies have been told to take appropriate measures,” the officer, who is not authorized to speak to media, told KNO on the condition of anonymity.
Amid high alert, a mock drill in the city centres Lal Chowk on Saturday in run-up to the January 26 in a bid to ensure area domination. A senior police officer said that the exercise was a “routine one” aimed at area domination since the R-day venue is nearby. “Such exercises are part of the preparations ahead of the R-day,” he said. “People need not to panic.” Inspector general of CRPF for Srinagar sector, Ravideep Singh Sahi said that police and the CRPF men conducted a joint area domination exercise ahead of the January 26 function.
Replying to a query whether drones were pressed into service, he said given the recent grenade attacks, drones were tested for area mapping to keep a vigil on Lal Chowk and its surrounding areas. “Situation is under control and there is no need to panic. We have taken elaborate measures to foil all the designs of militants that are aimed at disrupting the R-day function in Srinagar,” he said.
To a query whether there was any input about the threat by militants, the IG CRPF said: “There is no specific threat but a general threat and all measures have been taken to keep the militants at the bay.”(KNO)