SRINAGAR: Security agencies across Kashmir have stepped up preparations for the Independence Day celebrations, with senior police and security officers reviewing arrangements, strengthening checkpoints and patrols, and calling for heightened vigilance ahead of August 15.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi chaired a high-level security review meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir on Monday, where arrangements for Independence Day functions and other events scheduled across the Valley were assessed.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the J&K Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, RPF, CID, Traffic Police and other security agencies, besides all range DIGs and district SSPs of Kashmir.
District police chiefs briefed the meeting on preparations in their respective jurisdictions, including security arrangements for Independence Day functions. Birdi directed officers to complete all necessary preparations well in advance and assigned specific responsibilities for events, including rallies and other public gatherings.
Particular attention was given to the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, with the IGP directing officers to further strengthen security arrangements around the venue and ensure comprehensive security measures.
Birdi also called for stronger checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along entry and exit routes to Srinagar. He directed security forces to intensify area domination and patrolling in sensitive and vulnerable areas and maintain effective surveillance.
He stressed strict vigilance against elements deemed inimical to peace and security and called for enhanced alertness and coordination among agencies across the Valley.
Similar reviews were conducted at the police district level.
In Sopore, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Baramulla, Vinod Kumar chaired a security review meeting with police, CAPFs and other agencies ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
The meeting reviewed deployment plans, area domination, access control, traffic management, checking and frisking, patrolling and coordination between security agencies.
SSP Sopore briefed the DIG on security and precautionary measures already implemented and those planned in the days leading up to August 15. Kumar directed officers to strengthen security at vulnerable locations, intensify checking and patrolling, ensure timely intelligence sharing and maintain a high level of operational preparedness while minimising inconvenience to the public.
In south Kashmir, DIG South Kashmir Range Javaid Iqbal Mattoo reviewed the security and law-and-order situation in Police District Awantipora at a meeting attended by senior Army, CRPF and police officers.
The meeting examined the existing security grid and preparedness to deal with emerging security and law-and-order challenges. Mattoo stressed close coordination between the Police, Army and CAPFs, effective intelligence sharing, enhanced area domination and proactive measures to prevent attempts to disrupt peace and public order.
SSP Awantipora briefed the meeting on the prevailing situation and measures being undertaken to strengthen the security apparatus in the district.
The DIG directed officers to maintain heightened alertness, ensure coordinated responses to emerging challenges and adopt a proactive approach to maintaining peace and security.
The three reviews come days before Independence Day, when security forces traditionally intensify surveillance, checking and area domination across Kashmir to secure public functions and prevent disruptions.
