No let up in civilian killings in Kashmir even after increasing military footprint; Action shifted to Srinagar

The militant organisations active in the Valley drew its cadre largely from these four districts. Most of the top militant commanders killed in the recent past also belonged to south Kashmir and were largely operating out of the area.This year, however, Srinagar city witnessed an abrupt uptick in violence, blindsiding the security agencies and political observers alike.”Over last many years Srinagar city was comparatively calm. There were less number of militancy related incidents and civilian killings, but this year the graph of violence has abruptly shot up”, said a Valley based political observer, on condition of annonymity.It seems that the militants have changed their tactic and base, he added.The fragile security situation of the Valley prompted Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the Valley last month to review the situation.Soon after Shah’s visit, new bunker and additional security forces began dotting the cityscape in a bid to stem the violence.Sources said that additional companies of CRPF and BSF are being moved in the city. The troops have already taken over two marriage halls one in Shatrashahi and another Ellahi Bagh locality of the city. The forces, however, vacated from the densely packed Shatrashahi locality after the move drew flake from the political leaders and local residents.Media reports in the Valley suggest that 11 CRPF companies and 19 BSF companies would be deployed in Srinagar while additional companies are to be stationed in Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal and Anantnag districts.



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