Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Jan 24 (KINS): Ahead of the Republic- Day celebrations on 26 January, security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir Union territory.
The main function of the Republic Day-2022 is being held at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu.
One of the top security officials here said that security agencies have been directed to remain said alert ahead of the Republic Day.
The official said that they will ensure that the January 26 celebrations go well. “We will take all the precautions and sufficient deployments will be made. I am sure January 26 will pass off peacefully and well-attended,” he added.
Sources said that the police and other agencies were busy making additional deployment in the areas along the international border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
In border belts, senior police officers have visited the sensitive areas personally to review the border security management, and called for effective liaison among various security agencies.
Senior police officials also convened meetings to review the security measures to be taken in the run up to January 26, and to take stock of the progress of other allied arrangements in view of the prevailing security concerns in the region.
The offices asked the officers to step up vigil and security to check any attempt of infiltration, and movement of anti-national elements.
“All the check posts along the border roads, national highway and other interior highways will be put on high alert round the clock,” said the official.
Sources told KINS that the authorities reviewed the security situation. “26 January will be celebrated with great fervor. All arrangements will be made” one of the top officials said.
Reports said that checkpoints have been erected in many places in Srinagar and frisking has been intensified. Police are seen at many places stopping and checking the vehicles.
Since 2017, the government has been celebrating January 26 and August 15 celebrations at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonwar instead of the traditional venue at Bakshi Stadium, where the repairing works were going on.
An official at DC Srinagar office said that councilors, Panches, Sarpanches and chairperson of block development councils would be invited from Srinagar to attend celebrations at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Srinagar while others would attend in their respective districts. “These all fall in the VIP category,” the official said.
Sources said that district development commissioners have been directed to prepare a list of invitees.
“Invitees shall include VVIP and VIPs including chairperson BDCs, Panches, Sarpanches and councilors,” sources said.
“An extensive plan shall be prepared by the police department encompassing vital areas, movements and entries. Firm barricades should be erected in and around the venue taking into consideration the security concerns,” the authorities have said.
A senior official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Dal Gate and Sonawar areas. “The security agencies have been directed to take extra measures,” the official said.
The SSP security has been directed to ensure arrangement of bullet proof kiosks for VIPs along with dais.
Sources said that Technology too will be used to keep a tight vigil in and around the venue.
Sources said that senior police officers have been assigned the job of monitoring the suspicious movement in the city.
“Sharp shooters on the top of various buildings in different areas around the stadium will be put in place for security reasons to stop any untoward incident,” sources said.
Meanwhile, officials said that security has also been beefed up in north Kashmir areas of Sopore, Kupwara, Baramulla Bandipora and Handwara.
Pulwama, Shopian, Islamabad (Anantnag) and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir also witnessed tight security.
The security measures to thwart any designs of militants to create trouble on two major events of national importance Independence Day and Republic Day have remained the top concern of the police forces and other security agencies ever since the eruption of the armed militancy in 1989-90 in the state.(KINS)
