Businesses, markets in several J-K districts asked to install CCTV cameras

SRINAGAR – In view of rising militant attacks, the Jammu and Kashmir government has asked business units to install Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) to monitor suspicious moments of people, officials said.

The orders have been issued by the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Anantnag and some other districts of the Kashmir Valley. The CCTVs are to be installed within 14 days.

District Magistrate Srinagar Aijaz Asad has asked all Financial and Business Units to install CCTVs and inform the Station House Officer (SHO) of the nearest police station if any suspicious movement or activity is observed.

The order came into force from April 5 and shall remain valid for 60 days, “unless withdrawn earlier, and subject to further extension or modification”, the communiqué said.

Officials said the selective targeting of innocent citizens in Jammu and Kashmir by “anti-nationals and subversive elements” requires several measures, including the use of appropriate technologies, to safeguard the “life and property”.

“Any contravention of this order shall attract legal consequences,” read the order. It said a person can be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to 200 rupees or with both.

The order covers banking and financial as well as business establishments like banks/ATMs, jewellery shops, petrol pumps, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, cinema halls, wine and beer shops, eating joints, ready-made garment shops, showrooms, small markets, educational institutions, places of worship, bus stands, railway stations, airports, hospitals and offices where transactions are held in cash or are frequented by many people.