The Hindu : National : Security stepped up in Valley

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Saturday, Nov 22, 2008
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Security stepped up in Valley

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: Strict security measures in Srinagar and some other towns of the valley on Friday threw normal life out of gear. Authorities strengthened security to thwart a protest march to Jamia Masjid as part of separatists’ election boycott programme.

The separatist-sponsored Coordination Committee had called for a half-a-day strike after Friday prayers. Heavy deployment of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force was made in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley.

Police sources told The Hindu that the authorities could not believe the Cordination Committee programme and claimed that Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had sent individual letters to Imams of all mosques to ask people to march to the Jamia Masjid. The police and paramilitary personnel were seen driving back people to their homes and patrolling the deserted streets to foil any attempt by the separatists to assemble.

However, small groups of people in Ganderbal, Anantnag and Pulwama took out processions and raised anti-election slogans. They were dispersed by the police but in Ganderbal the situation took an ugly turn when the personal security officer of a contesting candidate, Farooq Ganderbali, opened fire in panic, injuring one civilian. This led to tension in the area for some time.

All shops and business establishments, government offices, educational institutions, banks, courts and other institutions remained closed. All modes of transport are off the roads here and other parts of the valley.

A police spokesman denied imposition of curfew but said security forces were given strict orders not to allow movement of four or more people at a place.

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