Security has been tightened in Kashmir ahead of Republic Day to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations in the valley. Police and other security personnel have been carrying out sanitisation and area domination exercises.
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Srinagar and other district headquarters. Checkpoints have been established at various places, especially at the entry points of the city and other districts. Security forces are conducting random checking of vehicles and frisking of people to thwart the movement of subversive elements.
The main Republic Day function will take place in Jammu, which will be presided over by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The biggest function in the valley will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Similar functions will be held at district headquarters as well.
Security around the venues of Republic Day functions in the valley, including the stadium in Srinagar, has been beefed up, and a multi-layer security apparatus has been put in place around the venues. Security agencies have been asked to remain alert and not allow anyone to disturb law and order, and vitiate peace.
“The arrangements are in place, the necessary measures have been taken. The security has been beefed up and we will ensure smooth celebrations, be it in Srinagar or elsewhere in the valley,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi said.
“The field formations are in place and they are taking necessary measures,” Birdi said when asked if there were any specific inputs on potential militant attacks.
Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain had on Saturday reviewed security measures across Jammu and Kashmir in a high-level meeting.
“The intentions of the adversary are to be foiled by a proactive approach and by implementing innovative district-level plans,” Swain had said.
A full-dress rehearsal is being carried out at Bakshi Stadium and other venues across the valley on Wednesday.
