Burhan anniversary: Security alert sounded across Kashmir

Intelligence inputs warn of militant strikes

On the eve of first death anniversary of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, a security alert was sounded across Kashmir on Friday, as intelligence inputs have warned of major strikes by the militant from July 8 onwards.

"To show their presence and power, militants may carry out deadly attacks on security forces in the coming few days. There are inputs that militants may carry out attacks on Burhan's first death anniversary which falls on Saturday," sources revealed to Deccan Herald.

They said while possibility of attacks are more in four southern districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, security agencies have been asked to remain alert in central and north Kashmir as well. "While south Kashmir, where from Burhan hailed, has remained epicenter of militancy and street protests since last July, there is also possibility that militants might carry out attacks in Srinagar or other areas as well," sources added.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Muneer Khan said their special focus will be to thwart possible militant strikes on Burhan’s anniversary. "There is a chance that militants may attack soft targets,” he told reporters.

Asked if there are any inputs about such attacks, he said: “Inputs keep on coming. Every input is taken seriously and assessed. We don’t brush away any input. The IGP said that whatever security arrangements were needed to maintain law and order and peace have been put in place. “Many separatists have been taken into preventive custody in the wake of a call given by the United Jehad Council (UJC) and separatists,” Khan said and added police are keeping an eye on suspects and district magistrates have been apprised about the measures to be taken.

Meanwhile, authorities on Friday imposed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Anantnag to prevent protests.  All separatist leaders have been either detained or placed under house arrest to prevent their participation in the valley-wide protests.  

District Magistrate Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Lone has issued orders to impose restrictions in areas falling under the jurisdictions of five police station areas. A senior police officer said elaborate security arrangements are in place to prevent any sort of pro-Burhan gathering at Sharifabad, the native village of the slain Hizb commander.

“Youth traveling on bikes are being stopped. Their bikes are being seized and they are being told to collect these after July 17,” a resident of Tral said. An official of Northern Railways said intra-Kashmir train services would remain suspended in Kashmir for two days from July 7 onwards “in view of the security situation.”