SRINAGAR: A deathly silence has engulfed the Kashmir Valley, particularly Srinagar, after the deadliest ever attack by fidayeen of Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) on the Army base in Uri in Baramulla district, close to the Line of Control on Sunday even as the security forces have been asked to remain vigilant  and not venture out alone, fearing lone wolf attacks, something intelligence agencies have been warning over the past few months.

With the fidayeen attack being seen as a move by Pakistan to further fuel unrest in the Valley, fear has gripped the locals who described it as a war-like situation, both within the Valley and along the Line of Control.

Already, tension was prevailing in the Valley due to the unrest triggered after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8, which left nearly 86 dead and thousands of civilians and security personnel injured.

The fact that Eid went off peacefully had given hope that normalcy may return soon but the Uri attack has led to more tense moments.

According to the intelligence alerts, security agencies say there is all possibility of lone wolf attacks in the Valley. “We have been told about it and all our men have been asked to move in groups. We are taking all precautions.

However, we are fully prepared to meet any sort of challenge,” said CRPF officials. Almost all localities across Srinagar were even more deserted since Sunday morning, hours after the encounter took place.

Security had been tightened in view of the visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of Army staff Dalbir Singh Suhag.

Most locals stayed indoors and many anticipate “some strong action” from the security forces in the hours and days to come. Silence in the Valley is only interrupted by ‘Azaan’ or the call for prayers from mosques.

“The situation was already volatile and now, it seems like war. We are really scared for our lives,” says Inayatullah, a cab driver, residing in Batamaloo area.

Already struggling with curfews and ‘hartals’ called by the Hurriyat leaders, he says that people are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. “Now with this attack, we don’t know what will happen when. Between security forces and terrorists, we are caught in a very dicey situation,” he adds.

Over the last two months of turmoil in the Valley, Inayatullah and his family along with other residents of Batamaloo have been collecting ration and other essentials from each household and giving it to poorer families, who are finding it difficult to survive.

“With this attack, I feel that a tense atmosphere will prevail for several days more,” Inayatullah says.

On the other hand, some pockets in downtown Srinagar are understood to have “celebrated” the attack on the Indian Army and CRPF sources said crackers were burst at some places. The CRPF has also stepped up vigil in several areas.

The State government was making plans to reopen schools but sources said even that has been postponed now.