Kashmir on high alert after intelligence agencies warning of terror hit
The Kashmir Valley is on high alert once again, after intelligence agencies warned of an imminent terror attack on the highway. Security was beefed up across major towns, and personnel were deployed in strength. Checking of vehicles and frisking of people were both intensified.
Inputs from the intel agencies on Sunday said there may be a blast on the highway, and that a motorcycle is likely to be used. “The inputs also suggested probable areas for the blast, and said Batwara and Tatoo Ground are particularly vulnerable. These areas need special attention. However, other areas along the highway also remain possible target spots,” said intelligence agencies.
Since it was a Sunday, civilian traffic was prohibited along the highway, and the agencies said it was necessary to implement these rules strictly. It was also directed that since election forces are currently in Srinagar, movement of security forces’ convoys was unlikely to start before 9 am on Sunday morning.
The polling officials are in Kashmir because Srinagar and Udhampur will go to the polls on April 18. Baramulla and Jammu already voted in the first phase of polling on April 11. Around 57.31 per cent turnout was recorded in the first phase, with Baramulla recording 34.61 per cent and Jammu recording 72.16 per cent turnout.
“Only after all the SHOs give an order regarding clearing of the highways (especially to clarify that no motorcycles are plying there), will the convoy start after 9 am,” the intelligence agencies said.
On April 3, the Jammu and Kashmir government had issued an order banning civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, ranging from Baramulla to Udhampur every Sunday and Wednesday. These two days were to be reserved exclusively for the movement of security forces’
POLL TIME TERROR ::
– Election officials are in Kashmir currently, since Srinagar and Udhampur will have polls on April 18
– Jammu and Baramulla already voted on April 11
– Security agencies have warned of a terrorist strike along the highway
– They have said a motor cycle is likely to be used for the attack
