Srinagar, Jul 28 (IANS): Security forces on Saturday launched a search operation in the densely populated Balgarden area of the city here.

Vehicles were stopped and commuters were asked to produce identity cards in the uptown area. Shops and other buildings were also searched.

On Friday, security forces had carried out similar operations in the city centre Lal Chowk area.

The search operations were mounted three days after a paramilitary trooper was killed in a hit and run attack by the militants outside the police control room in the city.

Although authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are describing the operation as routine, informed sources said it is part of an area domination exercise to keep the militants at bay.

Militants have registered their presence in the city over the last four months.

On June 14, militants killed senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and two of his security guards in the Residency Road area here.

Earlier, militants had also decamped with service weapons of policemen in the city outskirts.