Area domination by troops in vital areas continues

Srinagar, Oct 31: A week after the attack on the Army in the Butapathri area of Gulmarg, the security agencies have announced a general alert in various areas of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

A top official said that in the wake of the back-to-back attacks from central to north Kashmir and in the Jammu division, the security agencies including J&K Police, Army, and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in joint coordination are taking extra precautions to avoid any further incidents.

“Following the attacks, we cannot rule out the movement of militants. We are taking additional care,” a top Police official said.

Besides area domination by troops, the security agencies are taking extra measures by intensifying frisking at different checkpoints put up by J&K Police and CRPF.

“We have intensified night patrolling as well in different pockets. The patrolling is done randomly in random pockets,” the official said.

Besides the peripheries, the random area domination is also done in Baba Reshi, Shranz Fall, Kandi forests and Boniyar.

“The measures are being taken in the aftermath of the Butapathri attack. CASO is carried out in all the areas connecting Gulmarg,” the official said.

After the attacks, the CRPF and Police have intensified frisking of vehicles at established checkpoints and at random sites wherein the passengers are seen being frisked while vehicles are being checked as well.

The frisking is also captured by the on-duty troops as well wherein the vehicle model and registration number is recorded.

Four persons including two soldiers and two Army porters were killed last week after an Army truck was attacked in the Butapathri area, around 6 km from Gulmarg tourist destination.

The Army vehicle was en route to Nagin Post in the Affarwat range.

“Considering the attacks and the intelligence inputs regarding the movement of militants, we are alert and taking utmost precautions while maintaining synergy and coordination between the security agencies,” the official said.