Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 25: Ahead of Republic Day, security forces averted a major tragedy by detecting and defusing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by militants at Batamaloo area here today while security across the Kashmir valley has been tightened for smooth conduct of Republic Day functions.
Sources said the police detected an IED near busy Batamaloo bus stand and immediately rushed Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) to the spot. The BDS squad lifted the IED and later detonated it at nearby Tengpora in an open field. The BDS squad successfully detonated the IED and there was no loss of life or injuries to anyone.
Meanwhile, security across the Kashmir valley, particularly in Srinagar where main function is being held at Bakshi Stadium, has been beefed up. Three-tier security is in place around the Bakshi Stadium here while additional contingents of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been deployed in the neighbouring areas to keep check on suspected persons and ensure smooth conclusion of the Republic Day function.
In Srinagar, police and CRPF have established checkpoints at multiple places including Budshah Chowk, Maulana Azad Road, Munawarabad, Qamarwari, Batamaloo and in Khanyar areas. The security forces were seen stopping motorists and carrying out frisking. The vehicles entering Srinagar were also being carried thoroughly checked at all entry points.
The security forces also carried searches in other parts of the Valley despite inclement weather. A cordon and search operation was launched in Pulwama town in South Kashmir after an explosion, believed to be grenade thrown by militants, occurred near local police station without causing any damage. However, no one was arrested during the search operation.
In Pulwama only, security forces conducted search and cordon operations at Hassanwadi and Badibagh villages after receiving inputs about the presence of militants. During the searches, locals came out of their houses and pelted stones on forces and hampered the search operations. Police fired teargas shells and chased away the stone-pelting mobs. The search operations were later called off.
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