SRINAGAR : A multi-layer security grid has been established across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Republic Day functions on January 26. There is a high alert within the security grid of the Union Territory to thwart any potential attempts by militants to disrupt the official functions.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar BBhirdi said that all the security arrangements are in place as the multi-level security grid is on high alert mode to ensure smooth conduct of all official functions across the Valley. “We are in constant touch with the other security agencies. There will be no restrictions on people’s movement as everybody is invited to participate in the Republic Day event across Kashmir,” the IGP said, adding that people will be facilitated towards the venue.
Asked about the possibility of attempts by militants to disrupt the official functions of Republic Day, he said such inputs are being scanned constantly. “We are ready to deal with any challenge.”
The main Republic Day parade will be held at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu where LG Manoj Sinha will unfurl the tri-colour while as in Kashmir the main function will be held at Bakshi Stadium where LG’s Advisor B R Bhatnagar will take the salute of the parade.
In Srinagar, amid heightened security arrangements, police and CRPF have intensified frisking at various points including the roads connecting with the highways. A police official said that on highways joint teams of army, police and CRPF have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
In Jammu, officials said that a high alert has been sounded and security forces have been asked to maintain the highest level of vigil to ensure smooth passage of Republic Day. “In both regions, forces are on a high alert mode,” a police official said.
A police spokesman said that DGP RR Swain chaired a high level joint security meeting in Kashmir to ensure optimum security arrangements at all the Republic Day celebrations venues across Kashmir.
“The DGP RR Swain chaired a high-level joint security meeting to review the preparedness in Kashmir Zone regarding the forthcoming Republic Day. The meeting was held at the Police Control Room Kashmir in which officers from Police, Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, CISF and other sister agencies participated. Threadbare discussions were held on security of vulnerable areas, persons and places during the meeting. Intelligence gathering, area domination, Naka checking, and security of sensitive places/ venues remained the central focus of the meeting,” the police spokesman said.
He said that addressing the meeting, the DGP directed the officers to ensure optimum security arrangements at all the venues across Kashmir by making effective use of all the available resources.
“He directed for ensuring the highest level of security arrangements and further strengthening the security grids saying that serious attempts are being made by handlers from across the border to infiltrate terrorists into J&K,” the spokesman said, adding that the DGP Swain stressed on strict monitoring and subsequent action against the terror support system, the DGP said that Pakistan and its agencies are making continuous attempts to revive terrorism in parts of JK.
He directed for creating special monitoring to identify each and every element providing any support to militants. Underlining the desperation of handlers from across the border to create disruption here, the DGP emphasized on the field formations to have a serious look into the inputs shared by different agencies and take all the necessary measures accordingly ensuring that subversive attempts are foiled, the spokesman said.
“The DGP stressed for revisiting the security measures in place at vulnerable places and persons. He directed for further strengthening the human intelligence system besides effective use of modern tools in tracking down the terrorists. He was also directed to identify the technology being used by terrorists and prepare the counter strategies accordingly,” the spokesman said.
The DGP directed for Identifying and smashing new forms of terror modules with simultaneous actions within the parameters of law.
He emphasised on fixing responsibility in the line of hierarchy of officials and stressed for briefing of guidelines issued in a detailed manner by the senior officers to the on-field personnel in order to ensure peaceful conduct of republic celebrations.
