Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 28: In a bid to strengthen security and surveillance in the commercial hub of Srinagar, joint teams of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Friday conducted surprise searches in hotels, lodges and business establishments in and around Lal Chowk Srinagar.
The officials said that the exercise was aimed to verify the credentials of guests to ensure that commercial facilities are not misused for unlawful purposes.
The searches were conducted by the personnel from Srinagar Police, CRPF’s 132 battalion and the women’s (Mahila) Company of 213 Battalion.
According to reports, the teams inspected a number of hotels, guest houses and shops. Besides, they also checked the registers and identification records maintained by the management.
The exercise was carried out as part of a broader preventive strategy to strengthen security measures in view of heightened movement and upcoming winter activities in the capital city.
Officials further said that checking was jointly conducted systematically with due coordination between various security components.
“The objective is to ensure that verification protocols are being followed properly by hotel and business owners and to prevent any attempt by anti-social or anti-national elements to exploit commercial spaces,” an officer part of the operation said.
The searches also involved a detailed review of the guest lists, CCTV surveillance footage and record-keeping practices at several establishments.
The women’s contingent was specifically tasked with conducting verification of female guests and staff members, while police and CRPF personnel secured peripheries and entry points during the drive.
Eyewitnesses and officials present during the exercise said that the surprise checks form a crucial part of preventive policing and are essential to maintain law and order in crowded and commercially active zones.
The officials also advised hotel and business owners to maintain proper guest registers, verify identity documents and immediately alert police about any suspicious activity or unfamiliar presence. “Public cooperation always remains a key to ensure a safe environment for all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the searches that lasted several hours concluded peacefully without any untoward incident. Security officials maintained that such coordinated drives will continue periodically as part of a city-wide security review plan designed to strengthen vigilance during the winter season and festive period.
