Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Police will be installing close circuit TV cameras (CCTVs) in all the major towns in Kashmir Valley to monitor the images of people leading or triggering protests, an official said.
A senior police officer disclosed to a news agency that so far, CCTVs have been installed in the summer capital of Srinagar and its suburbs. Now the exercise would be undertaken in other major towns, particularly Baramullah, Sopore, Anantnag, Kupwara, Budgam, Pulwama and also small towns where the protests had erupted last year.
According to an assessment by the state police, there is every likelihood that there would be no major street protests or incidents of stone pelting in the Valley this year as the people there want to live a normal life, but still the element of mischief by some quarters cannot be ruled out.
"The idea of installing more CCTVs in the streets and around the key installations is based on the necessity to identify the mischievous elements," the officer said.
The state police have also requisitioned body protectors, which would be part of their anti-riot gear.
The body protectors are lighter than the bullet proof jackets and would guard the personnel from the impact of stones and other missiles.
The 2010 summer protests, in which more than 100 people were killed, saw almost daily stone pelting by youths at security forces.
IANS
