Police, CRPF conduct CASO in Lal Chowk
Srinagar, Nov 28: Police, assisted by paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out a massive pre-dawn Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk.
The surprise checks focused primarily on Lal Chowk’s hotels and other lodging facilities to stop the possible misuse of these establishments by anti-national elements.
According to officials, the operation was launched after apprehension that certain unwanted elements might attempt to exploit accommodation facilities for shelter, transit, or planning of unlawful activities.
Joint teams fanned out across the commercial hub, checking guest records, verifying identity documents, and questioning hotel staff about recent arrivals. Search parties also examined digital and manual registers to ensure strict compliance with guest documentation norms. Officials said the inspection process was systematic, aimed at causing minimal inconvenience to civilians while ensuring that no unauthorised or suspicious individuals were staying in the vicinity.
Recognising the high footfall of women travellers and employees in the city centre, authorities deployed a dedicated women’s contingent from the CRPF’s Mahila Company to oversee verification of female guests. Officers said this move helped maintain the sensitivity of the process, ensuring that checks were conducted respectfully and thoroughly.
A senior police officer said that the operation is part of the ongoing citywide preventive security grid aimed at safeguarding Srinagar, especially ahead of upcoming festivals and increased tourist influx. He added that similar surprise inspections will continue in other areas, including commercial pockets, transit points, and residential clusters, to pre-empt any potential security threat.
In the wake of the operation, the Police reiterated their advisory to hotel owners, asking them to strictly follow guest verification guidelines, retain updated digital records, install functional CCTV systems, and immediately report any suspicious movement or behaviour to the nearest police station.
The early-morning operation concluded peacefully with no adverse incidents reported. Authorities described the checks as a routine but crucial step to maintain a secure atmosphere for residents, traders, and the large number of visitors frequenting the city’s busiest marketplace.
