SRINAGAR: With less than 72 hours left for celebrations of Independence Day on August 15, the security forces have intensified frisking of pedestrians and search of vehicles in the summer capital, where the main function will be held at Bakshi stadium.
Though there is no specific input about any particular target of militants on or before Independence Day, but theft of motorcycles and other vehicles recently was a cause of concern among the security agencies as in the past stolen vehicles were being used in fidayeen and other attacks in the Valley.
After three-day Eid celebrations during which less number of security force and police personnel were on roads, a fresh alert has been sounded in the Kashmir Valley, particularly in Srinagar.
Security forces and state police personnel had put up nakas at different places, particularly at some vital points from where vehicles entered city from the outskirts. Official sources said there is hardly any militant within the city.
However, militants having hideouts on the outskirts are sneaking into city and carrying out grenade and other attacks before escaping back.
To foil any militant attempt to smuggle in arms and ammunition into the city from outskirts, the security forces have intensified search of vehicles, besides frisking passengers and checking their identity cards.
Security forces also conducted random searches of motorcycles and three wheelers in the city, particularly in the Civil Lines. Similar reports were also received from other parts of the city.
Hundreds of security forces remained deployed in and outside the Bakshi stadium, venue for the main state function.
However, roads around the stadium remained open for vehicles. In 90s militants were targetting stadium with rifle grenades and rockets during Independence Day and Republic Day functions.
Sources said night and foot patrolling in the areas within the five km from stadium will be intensified from tomorrow to foil any militant attempt to fire rockets or grenades.
