Surprise CASO in Lal Chowk

Srinagar, Oct 21: Police on Tuesday conducted an extensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) and surprise frisking drives across the city’s commercial nerve centre, Lal Chowk, and its surrounding areas.

Multiple Police teams were deployed throughout the day, setting up temporary checkpoints at key intersections, including Residency Road, Amira Kadal, and adjacent lanes.

Vehicles were stopped at random for verification, and the identity documents of drivers and passengers were thoroughly checked.

Pedestrians were also frisked, and officers inspected suspicious packages and unattended bags as part of precautionary sweeps.

A senior Police official said that the operations were being conducted in a routine manner.

In support of the operation, additional forces were deployed, including rapid response teams, dog squads, and mobile surveillance units equipped with real-time CCTV monitoring systems.

High-visibility patrolling continued throughout the day in commercial areas, market zones, and entry points leading into Lal Chowk.

Despite the visible security presence, daily business in the city’s central commercial district remained largely unaffected.

Shopkeepers in the bustling Lal Chowk area reported minimal disruption and welcomed the Police action as a necessary step for ensuring public safety.

“The Police are doing their job. Their presence gives us confidence. We feel safer even as we go about our daily routines,” said a garment store owner near Ghanta Ghar.

Commercial traffic and pedestrian movement continued without any delays, although security checkpoints caused brief slowdowns at certain choke points during peak hours.

Authorities reiterated that the current operations are preventive in nature and form part of a broader security grid in place to keep the city safe during festivals, public gatherings, or heightened threat periods.

“The key message is one of readiness during the day, night, or during any event. We will not compromise on the safety of the people of Srinagar,” a Police official said, urging people to cooperate fully during searches and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security personnel.