• 3-tier security around Bakshi stadium
• High-tech drones, CCTVs to monitor major venues
• Adequate arrangements in place: Div Com
Srinagar, Aug 14: Ahead of Independence Day on Thursday, 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 Monday said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements regarding the Independence Day have been finalized in the Valley.
“The main function would be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha 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.
Bidhuri said there will be no restrictions on public movement on Tuesday and assured uninterrupted internet services to ensure the smooth conduct of the Independence Day.
“We encourage locals to join the event in large numbers. There is an open invitation to all to partake in the festivities,” he added.
Div Com said they have already directed Panchayati Raj Representatives to unfurl the national flag at the district, sub-district, tehsil level, as well as in panchayats.
“At district headquarters, elected District Development Council Representatives (DDC) chairpersons will unfurl the national flag. We are expecting a peaceful day in Kashmir,” he added.
A senior officer at the Police department told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been finalized regarding the 15th August celebrations on Thursday.
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) has 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.
In Srinagar, Police, and paramilitary forces have set up barricades at many places and other major towns for carrying out searches of vehicles.
“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.
