Ahead of Barack Obama visit, security beefed up across Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, security has been strengthened across Kashmir Valley, especially in the summer capital Srinagar, to thwart any possible attack by militants.

"Adequate security arrangements have been made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and to foil any attempt by subversive elements to disrupt the upcoming Republic Day celebrations on January 26," a senior police officer said.

He said extra security measures have been put in place this year in view of the high profile visit of the US President, who will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.

Special security check-posts have been set up at all entry and exit points into the city and major towns of the Valley, where random frisking of pedestrians and checking of vehicles are being conducted to keep militants at bay.

The officer said police and other security forces have been asked to intensify area domination patrols especially during night hours to check movement of suspected persons.

In addition, sharp-shooters are being deployed in the close vicinity of Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Republic Day function in the Valley, the officer said, adding CCTV cameras are being monitored round-the-clock.

Almost all separatists including leaders of different factions of Hurriyat Conference have called for observance of "Black Day" on January 26 to press for early resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Chief of Al Umar Mujahideen Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar alias Latram, who was one of the three militants freed in exchange of passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines plane in 1999, has also given a strike call.

"Till the time Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with UN resolutions, we will continue to observe India's Republic Day and Independence Day as 'Black Day'," Zargar said.

Meanwhile, clashes between angry youths and law enforcing agencies were reported from Nowhatta and Khankah localities of interior Srinagar shortly after Friday prayers.

The clashes started when police and paramilitary forces intercepted groups of youth protesting against the publishing of blasphemous caricatures in the French satirical magazine 'Charlie Hebdo', officials said.

However, there was no report of any casualty in the clashes which continued for several hours. While the protesters indulged in stone-pelting, the law enforcing agencies responded with teargas shelling and baton charge, the officials said.

They said angry people also took to streets at Nopora- Sakidaffar, Safakadal, Karan Nagar Chowk, Hari Singh High Street and Shaheed Gunj in the city and various district headquarters to denounce publishing of blasphemous cartoons. The protesters dispersed peacefully, the officials said.