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Minor explosion in Srinagar

Special Correspondent

Explosive material found near R-Day parade venue

ON THE JOB: Vehicles being checked at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Sunday as part of stepped up security for Republic Day. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

SRINAGAR: F our persons, including two civilians, were injured when militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF bunker in Nowhatta on Sunday.

Close to Bakshi Stadium — the venue of the Republic Day parade — which has been "out of bounds" for the public since Thursday last, explosive material was detected during searches. "It was kept in a tumbler and buried in Iqbal Park," said Farooq Ahmed, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range.

The DIG said that in the past two months at least 16 Pakistani militants were killed and many over ground terrorist modules destroyed. "So we are aware that militants may try to do something to show their presence. Hence, no risk is being taken," he said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF are out in strength to ensure tight security on Republic Day. A senior security official said: "Closed circuit TVs have been installed at every sensitive installation in the summer capital. We have also put up such devices at busy market places and vulnerable spots."

The Hurriyat faction headed by Syed Ali Geelani and other outfits have called for a general shutdown on January 26.

Checkpoints

There are around half a dozen police checkpoints in the city where vehicles are stopped and examined for weapons and explosives. Even occupants are ordered out and searched.

"It takes a lot of time to reach a destination as you are searched everywhere," said Farooq Ahmed, a government employee.

"It is a state of high alert," said Muneer Khan, Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar.

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