Stationing of jawans in marriage halls has Mayor, locals up in arms

Security stepped up in Srinagar to curb movement of militants, say officials

Stationing of additional CRPF companies in community marriage halls in Srinagar in the wake of growing militant attacks has locals and Mayor up in arms.

There is growing concern among the locals after the marriage halls and government accommodations were taken over by the security personnel in congested localities such as Suthra Shahi and Illahi Bagh, where such facilities are also used by children as recreation centres.

“The SMC [Srinagar Municipal Corporation] wasn’t consulted on this decision. These community halls are integral to social and community functions and are constructed in areas where people don’t have huge houses and lawns. They, hence, are a community necessity,” SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu said.