Surveillance intensified around surrounding areas
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Jan 23: Ahead of Republic Day, security forces have taken over the Shar-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where main January 26 celebration would be held in Kashmir.
The heavy security blanket has also been imposed at the MAM stadium Jammu as the main function is going to be held there.
Sources said that the security personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have tightened checks in capital city Srinagar.
Identity checks of vehicles are being conducted randomly in the city.
Stating that elaborated security arrangements to be in place for the peaceful conduct of 26 January functions, one of the top police officials said that police is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and that forces have been asked to maintain utmost vigil.
“Security agencies in the state have been maintaining tight vigil in view of Republic Day functions. Forces are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” the official said wished not to be named.
He also said that while the “known suspects” have been kept under surveillances, the quick reaction teams of the police have been kept ready.
“Night domination patrols have been increased and every possible step is being taken to maintain high alert,” he maintained.
Meanwhile sources said that heavy security blanket has been imposed at the MAM stadium Jammu as the main function is going to be held there.
Sources said that the security in and around the venue has been tightened with security men taking positions on flyovers, banks of river Tawi and residential areas surrounding the stadium.
Meanwhile , a senior police official said that , special security check points have been set up at all entry and exit points into the city and major towns, where random frisking of pedestrians and checking of vehicles is being carried out.
In addition, sharp shooters have been deployed in the close vicinity of MAM stadium, the main venue of Republic Day function, the officer said, adding CCTV cameras are being monitored round the clock.
He said that the number of quick reaction teams (QRT) of police has been increased and a large number of PCR vans have been deployed on strategic locations across the State.
Security grid has been increased in the Srinagar city with additional deployment of troops and raised checkpoints at all the sensitive locations.
“We do not want to leave any loophole in context with the security, so the personnel have been directed to maintain vigil and tighten security within the city especially around the venue of Republic Day celebrations,” a senior police said.
The official sources said that the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has directed the police department and other security agencies to ensure “adequate and fool proof security” arrangements in and around the venue.
The police department has been directed to make a “comprehensive” security plan.
“The adjoining areas of the venue Sonawar, Dalgate and Rajbagh will remain under tight surveillance of security forces. We have been receiving the personal details about the people staying in hotels and guest houses in these areas,” a senior police official said.
He said the police and intelligence agencies have been directed to keep an eye on suspected persons in these areas. “The security agencies don’t want to take any chances of lapses with the security and every suspected movement is being scrutinized by CCTV cameras installed around the venue,” he said.
Hundreds of security forces personnel – armed with metal detectors have been deployed in and around the stadium. Multiple checking points have been set up across Srinagar with security forces checking identity proof from the people entering into the city.
Sources said the security personnel will also be stationing on the buildings around the venue. “Buildings near the venue have been checked by the security forces and sniffer dogs have been deployed in and around it,” the official said.
The official said that road from Radio Kashmir to Sonawar road may remain closed for few days before the January 26.
The DIG Armed has been directed to coordinate the preparation and supervise of the parade. While SSP Security has been directed to ensure “adequate” security on all fronts.
