SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up to commemorate its 77th Independence Day with a comprehensive security strategy that includes multi-level security deployment, drone surveillance, and aerial monitoring of the primary venue in Srinagar; Bakshi Stadium via Heptors.
Security forces, notably the police and CRPF, have taken charge of the main venue.
Notably, this year, common citizens will be permitted to participate in the main parade after undergoing rigorous security checks. Official sources have confirmed that stringent security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth execution of Independence Day festivities, including the pivotal event at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, following a significant hiatus. It is reported that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will hoist the national flag at Bakshi Stadium and address the gathering.
Sources further stated that Bakshi Stadium was chosen over SK Stadium Sonwar due to its better parking facilities and seating arrangements, capable of accommodating large crowds. Witness accounts reveal heightened frisking conducted by the police and CRPF at multiple locations throughout Srinagar. Special checkpoints have been established to thwart any attempts by elements aiming to disrupt peace.
Frisking operations were observed at various key areas such as Hari Singh High Street, Polo View, Dalgate, Sonwar, Pantha Chowk, and Rambagh. A commuter shared, “Individuals, particularly those on two-wheelers, were subject to thorough checks.”
A police official stated that all security agencies remain on high alert, ensuring robust security arrangements for the smooth unfolding of Independence Day festivities in Srinagar and other parts of the union territory. The official emphasized the use of technical intelligence to counter potential terrorist threats, acknowledging the desire of a significant number of people to attend the celebrations and asserting that security forces have been instructed to facilitate the participation of ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, in Jammu, the main parade will take place at Moulana Azad Stadium, with LG’s Advisor RR Bhatnagar raising the tricolor and addressing the crowd. A comprehensive plan has been devised to guarantee the event’s peaceful and seamless progress, including the establishment of checkpoints across the city.
J&K Police Chief Dilbagh Singh recently assured the public of well-arranged celebrations. He noted an interest among a substantial number of people to participate and mentioned that appropriate arrangements have been made.
Discussing the preparations, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar stated that a three-tier security framework was operational to ensure the smooth conduct of official events. He highlighted the use of drone surveillance and the employment of Heptors for aerial monitoring of the primary venue, Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. (KNO)
