Bike seized in Srinagar; not linked to visit of HM Amit Shah says Police

Boulvard Road, Srinagar From Badyari to Nishat, Gupkhar Road To Remain Closed On Weekend

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday continued to seize two-wheelers in the Kashmir Valley even as it delinked the same with the upcoming 3-day visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to J&K which starts on a weekend.

Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir Vijay Kumar took to Twitter saying that seizing “some bikes or shutting down the internet of some towers” was purely related to militancy related incidents and has nothing to do with the upcoming visit of the Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Seizing some bikes and shutting down of internet of some towers is purely related to militancy violence. It has nothing to do with visit of the Hon’ble HM: IGP Kashmir”, reads the tweet as per GNS.

Meanwhile, hundreds of bikes were seen outside police stations across Srinagar and some other places. Also, bike owners were seen outside the police stations, hoping that their bikes would be released soon.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up across the Valley in view of the Shah’s visit, the first after the effective nullification of Article 370 and Article 35A of the India constitution which granted special status to the J&K.

Multiple checkpoints and roadblocks have been erected across Srinagar and elsewhere, reports said. Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force parties have been seen patrolling in larger numbers. Commuters have been frisked. Women paramilitary personnel were seen frisking fairer gender for the past few days in Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of the Valley.

Also, multiple security review meetings have been held and a large number of security forces personnel have been deployed around at several places including the secretariat and the airport.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities here announced that from the Boulevard Road, Srinagar from Badyari to Nishat and Gupkhar Road will remain closed for general traffic in connection with visit of VVIP from 23rd to 25th October.

“The motorists are requested to opt for Foreshore -Habak – Hazratbal route OR Tailbal – Zakoora – Hazratbal route and Badyari-Hazratbal route for the return journey,” read an advisory.

“The tourists shall be allowed up to Nehru Park after proper verification of their places of stay,” it reads, adding, “The route for medical emergencies shall be decided on the spot.” (GNS)