Lesser security trappings on R-Day eve in Kashmir

People in the Kashmir valley had a break with all enhanced security trappings usual on the eve of the Republic Day after a gap of 20 years on Sunday, thanks to lesser incidents of militancy and government's direction in this regard.

There is neither large scale concentration of security forces nor frisking, and life is going on as usual. This is for the first time that people are moving freely on roads without any hindrance of security arrangements since eruption of militancy in 1989-90.

Stringent security arrangements used to be taken up on the eve of such days in the valley and people used to rush home to escape from getting caught in crossfire.

The new mood is attributed to lesser incidents of militancy in the state and directions of the new government to security forces to 'be polite with common people.'

However, security forces have been asked to remain vigilant as there are apprehensions that militants might try to carry out attack, officials said.

"As militants' guns have been silent for the past several months due to increased pressure from security forces, the ultras might try to stage a comeback of sorts in the public conscience."

"The heavy turnout in the assembly polls had a demoralising effect on the militant cadres as is indicated by some intercepts of their communication," they said.