SRINAGAR: All roads leading to Shalimar Bagh were sealed Friday afternoon and a high security alert sounded across Srinagar. Some lesser known militant groups have threatened to target foreigners visiting Kashmir if the authorities went ahead with the concert.
“The entry of invitees would be strictly regulated. No uninvited person would be allowed to enter the venue,” a senior security officer said. The official said CCTV cameras are being installed inside and around the Shalimar Garden. Sharpshooters will be posted at vantage positions around the garden too, he said.
Security forces in motorised speed boats will patrol Dal Lake to provide an outer ring of security to the audience and performers. Days ahead of the concert, Shalimar Garden had been declared out of bounds for visitors. BMW cars and bullet proof vehicles will ferry invitees to the venue. Its gates will be closed after 4.30pm, security officials said. No cameras, electronic equipment, foodstuff or drinks will be allowed inside the garden.
Apart from the sharp shooters and other security agencies, at least 25 companies of CRPF have been deployed in Srinagar city to pave way for the smooth conduct of musical concert at Shalimar.
CRPF has deployed its Quick Action Team QAT in and around Shalimar garden to deal with any eventuality.
Public Relations Officer, CRPF, Kishor Prasad said that apart from deploying 25 Companies, CRPF has created some 25 check-points for frisking purposes in Srinagar city.
Our men are doing random checking and frisking of the pedestrians. The security has been beefed in the same way as we beef it up on special occasions like 15th of August or the arrival of Prime Minister, Prasad said.
He said that CRPF was taking all possible measures to thwart any protest during the stay of Zubin Mehta here. We have been working in coordination with the police. Shalimar and its adjacent areas have already been sealed while security men have even been deployed inside the residential houses and on their roof-tops, he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the venue of the concert today to review the arrangements.
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