SRINAGAR: Security arrangements have been intensified across Kashmir ahead of Independence Day, with police and paramilitary forces stepping up patrolling, area domination, vehicle checks and frisking to ensure peaceful celebrations, officials said on Wednesday.
Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers at sensitive locations across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, particularly around venues where August 15 functions will be held.
Officials said personnel in plain clothes have also been positioned around the celebration venues to monitor the movement of people and identify any suspicious activity.
Security forces have increased patrols and area domination exercises in vulnerable locations and areas surrounding the venues. Random checking of vehicles and frisking of pedestrians are also being carried out at several points across the Valley.
The main Independence Day function in Kashmir will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will unfurl the national flag and preside over the celebrations.
As part of the security arrangements, sharpshooters have been stationed on high-rise buildings overlooking the stadium. Personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have also been deployed at strategic locations around the venue.
Authorities are relying on both human intelligence and technical surveillance to monitor the security situation. Drones are also being used to keep watch from the air, officials said.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi, said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place across the Valley.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Police always maintains robust security arrangements not just in Srinagar city, but across various districts of the Valley. Multi-layered security arrangements are in place, not only at the specific venues, but also in the areas surrounding the city,” Birdi said on Tuesday.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said preparations for the celebrations at Bakshi Stadium were nearing completion.
“Preparations have been made for the Independence Day celebration at Bakshi Stadium, which has been our traditional venue for celebrations, and preparations are an ongoing process, whether it is rehearsals or security arrangements,” Garg told reporters.
He said the divisional administration had been working on the arrangements for about a month to ensure that the celebrations reflected the importance of the national occasion and met public expectations.
Garg said around 30 contingents are expected to participate in the parade this year.
“The chief minister will unfurl the national flag, and in view of that, our parade contingents are preparing very well, and approximately 30 contingents will be seen in the parade this time,” he said.
The divisional commissioner also urged residents, particularly students and young people, to attend the celebrations at Bakshi Stadium.
He appealed to people in other districts to participate in the respective district-level Independence Day functions, saying public participation would encourage the administration.
This year’s celebrations assume added significance as the country marks the 80th anniversary of Independence, Garg said.
