Srinagar, Jan 25: Ahead of 76th Republic Day on Sunday, Kashmir is under a robust security mechanism and there will be no restrictions on public movement. As a precautionary measure three-level security has been deployed around the main venue Bakshi Stadium and other prominent sites in all 20-district headquarters of J&K, officials on Saturday said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha would preside over and take the salute at the main Republic Day function at MA Stadium in Jammu. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be the chief guest at the event.
In Kashmir, the main Republic Day event is set to take place at Bakshi Stadium, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will preside over the function.
Meanwhile, in various district headquarters, J&K Cabinet Ministers and District Development Council (DDC) Chairpersons will officiate and take the salute during the celebrations.
It will be the first Republic Day celebration following the formation of an elected government after the abrogation of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements regarding the Republic Day have been finalized in the Valley.
“The main function would be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary would unfurl the tri-color and take the salute at the function and in this regard all arrangements have been finalized, ” he said.
Div Com Bidhuri said that the formal function will be followed by a parade, formal speeches, and cultural and traditional programs, he said.
“We encourage locals to join the event in large numbers. There is an open invitation to all to partake in the festivities. We have already directed Panchayati Raj Representatives to unfurl the national flag at the district, sub-district, tehsil level, as well as in panchayats.
A senior officer at the Police department told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been finalized regarding the Republic Day celebrations on Saturday.
The officer said tight security arrangements have been put in place around the venue for peaceful conduct and there would be multiple checkpoints from the main gate of Bakshi stadium to the exact venue location, he said.
“Both police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have intensified patrolling, vehicle checking, and frisking at various flashpoints in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley,” the police officer said.
He said the new security plan has already been framed and accordingly the deployment would remain in place for smooth conduct of the function in the entire region.
“All exit and entry points leading to the city are being closely monitored by the security officers. In Srinagar, Police, and paramilitary forces continued searches of vehicles, frisking at several places,” the officer said.
He said random frisking of cars and motorcycles is being carried out in various parts of the city to thwart any subversive plans of the terrorists.
The officer said nakas, checking points will continue to operate along with the major highway in Valley as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.
“Drones and camera-fitted vehicles and CCTV would be used to monitor the overall situation during the functions across the valley,” he said, adding that police and security forces will ensure there will be a peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir.
On Friday, Inspector General of Police Kashmir (IGP), Kashmir Zone V K Birdi Friday said that elaborate security measures have been put in place, and I encourage people to attend in large numbers to witness this event. Republic Day is a celebration for every citizen.
