After 3 killings in one day, traders told to load trucks on highways & main roads

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have also been asked to go hard at militant groups responsible for the killings.

Representational image | A file photo of Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Srinagar: A day after unidentified gunmen killed three non-Kashmiris in Pulwama and Shopian, the Jammu and Kashmir administration Thursday advised traders to avoid conducting their businesses in interior areas of the state. Instead, businessmen have been asked to load their trucks either on highways or main roads where police and paramilitary personnel have a stronger presence.

Along with the advisory, official sources said, security forces have also been asked to go hard at militant groups responsible for the killings.

“The last thing that J&K Police wants is to create panic. We are working towards controlling the situation at vulnerable locations and a massive manhunt has been initiated to track those responsible for the dastardly act,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.

“We also anticipate militant attacks on vulnerable people and places. Attacks on security forces and police too are being anticipated. We are taking all the necessary measures.”

On Wednesday, a labourer from Chhattisgarh, identified as Sethi Kumar Sagar, was shot at point-blank range in the Nihama area of Pulwama. Two other men, both traders from Punjab, were also shot at in Trenz area of Shopian. They were identified as Charanjit Singh and Sanju. Both succumbed to their injuries.

On Monday, militants had shot dead a truck driver from Rajasthan, Mohammad Shareef, in Shopian’s Shirmal village.

‘Don’t want trade to get affected’

Security has been beefed up in the state following the scrapping of Article 370 in order to prevent violence and mass demonstrations against the Centre’s decision. While many of the restrictions in J&K have been lifted, a sudden spike in violence was witnessed, especially in south Kashmir, after the state administration restored post-paid mobile phone services in the Valley earlier this week.

The new developments have now raised alarm bells within the security establishment.

“We are mindful that a lot of orchards are located quite far from the main roads or highways. We have asked the growers to get their produce at least to the main roads where we can provide security cover. It will require an effort on their part but we also do not want the developments of this week to halt trade,” said the senior officer.

Another senior officer also said the police was looking at how these recent attacks had been planned.

“We are trying to ascertain a timeline of the attacks. We are mindful that communications have been restored in the Valley after which these attacks have taken place. While it has given a boost to counter-insurgency operations, it is also no secret that communication channels used by militants may have been consolidated too,” he said.