Srinagar, Jan 22: Ahead of Republic Day, tight security arrangements have been put into place across Jammu and Kashmir. While additional security personnel are being deployed on highways and vital road links to thwart any untoward incident in the region, officials on Sunday said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been finalized for the January 26 celebrations in Kashmir. We have finalized all arrangements from top to bottom level including venues, security, and other things, he said.
“We have also instructed all the Deputy Commissioners to review the security arrangements at their local level and stated that everything is in place for smooth celebrations,” he said.
Pole said in each district, DDC Chairperson will hoist the tricolor, while at block level it will be hoisted by Block Development Chairperson and similarly Municipal Presidents at Municipal Communities. In case of absence of these elected representatives, the flag will be hoisted by SDMs or Tehsildars,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner said they have ensured all the arrangements till the Panchayat level, which is the root level of democracy.
Regarding security arrangements, Pole said both venues and arrangements have been made in advance by the concerned agencies to ensure a peaceful 26 January celebrations.
A senior police officer said security has been beefed up in the entire Kashmir region with forces keeping a tight vigil in areas of Srinagar and adjoining areas.
He said three-tier security arrangements are in place. Apart from human intelligence, security forces are using the latest technology including high-end drones and vehicles mounted with CCTV cameras,” the official said.
“We have set up makeshift bunkers to keep track of the situation and streamline the visitors. SSPs have been directed to keep vigil in respective areas so that no untoward incident should take place,” he said.
The police official said there will be round-the-clock patrolling on major highways by forces personnel during daytime and through 360-degree camera-fitted Mobile Bunker Vehicles (MBVs). More barricades have also been put up in several places across the valley, he said.
In Srinagar, both police and the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have intensified patrolling, vehicle checking, and frisking at various flashpoints.
“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,” the police officer said.
Following twin blasts in Jammu’s Narwal area on Saturday, additional companies of security forces have been deployed in the city to ensure peaceful 26 January celebrations.
A Jammu-based police officer said in view of Republic Day celebrations in Jammu, security has been beefed up in the entire region. Additional forces have been deployed in various parts of Jammu to thwart any untoward incident, he said.
“We are also investigating the Narwal blasts that left 9 injured on Saturday. CCTV footage and other elements are being checked to get some clues about culprits behind the crime,” the official said, adding that additional forces have been deployed at vital locations in the city.
Apart from Jammu city, the police officer said movement on the Jammu-Srinagar highway is being monitored and tracked with digital devices. We installed CCTV cameras at vital locations in the city,” the police officer said.
In Udhampur,k, the CRPF has also set up nakas to keep a check on commuting vehicles.
Second-in-Command of 137th BN CRPF, Kartar Singh said in view of Republic Day, we have increased the strength and nakas have been set up. Checking of vehicles is being done, he said.
“We are conducting regular search operations and are alert. CRPF has been keeping a strict vigil on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH 44) for ensuring smooth and secure conduct of Republic Day,” he said.
Singh said patrolling of CRPF Road Opening Party (ROP) and Quick Reaction Team (QRT) vehicles has also been increased on the highways in the area.
Similarly, on the international border and Line of Control (LoC), security has been intensified for smooth celebrations of Republic Day on January 26.
Border Security Forces (BSF) Inspector General, Ashok Yadav said not only has security been increased in the city but also along the Line of Control (LoC).
“In view of the 26 January celebrations in India, we beef up the security grid along the LoC in the region,” he said on the sidelines of an event on January 18 in Srinagar under the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” program.
The IG BSF said they have also increased patrolling on the borders. A lot of our companies are involved in law and order also and we are very much alert, and we will make sure it goes smoothly.
Earlier, Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir Dilbagh Singh said adequate measures and peaceful R-Day celebrations will be held across the Valley. “A large number of people is also expected to participate in the event,” he said.
