Searches, frisking intensified in Srinagar

SRINAGAR — Amid Jammu militant attack, security forces have tightened their grip within and around the Srinagar city. Large numbers of security personnel from police and paramilitary were seen monitoring key areas within the city and conducting random checks of vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Sources involved with the operation stated that while these random checks and frisking were part of regular security drills conducted from time to time, further deployment of additional security forces at prime locations around city hub Lal Chowk and the areas around the city centre has also been done.

Locals said that troopers check their identity cards, search pockets, vehicle and other valuables they carry. “We want such unnecessary moves that put common pubic to immense hardships must end immediately,” they said.

Female folk were also frisked by female Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constables passing through the city centre Lal Chowk. While there was no resistance, some women expressed resentment, saying the exercise could have been done away from the public glare.

“Searches of our vehicles and frisking of whatever we carry have become part of our life over the past few days. Not only this, but they (CRPF personnel) also infringe their limits by seeking documents like driving licenses, identity cards, ownership certificates of vehicles, registration certificates etc, which is none of their business,” eyewitnesses said.