• All arrangements finalised; security arrangements placed outside venues: Police
• Comprehensive security plan to ensure smooth conduct of I-Day functions: IGP Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 13: Tight security arrangements have been made ahead of the August 15 celebrations in the valley and there has been the additional deployment of troops in sensitive areas, officials said.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, said that police are fully aware of the evolving security challenges in Kashmir. We have devised a comprehensive security plan to ensure the smooth conduct of August 15 functions across the region, given the recent surge in terror activities, he said.
Talking to reporters at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main event will be hosted, IGP Bhirdi emphasized that the police are vigilant about the current security situation, particularly in light of ongoing operations in Kokernag.
“The multi-layered security grid has been established to guarantee the safety and success of the Independence Day events across Kashmir,” he said.
IGP Birdi said that after reviewing the full-dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is set to unfurl the national flag, IGP Birdi reiterated that adequate security measures are in place.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that security has been beefed across the valley ahead of August 15 with forces keeping a tight vigil in areas of Srinagar and adjoining areas.
“In order to prevent anti-national elements from entering the city, areas that border Srinagar lies remain under our focus. We have set up makeshift bunkers to keep track of the situation and streamline the visitors,” the officer said.
The senior officer said they have directed concerned district SSPs to keep vigil around the locations where parades will take place.
He said all arrangements have been finalized for the Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir. We have also put men and machinery ready to meet any challenge.
“Police is ready to face any challenge. Terrorists will also try to disrupt the 15th August function but they are alert and all preventive measures have been taken in this regard to foil such attempts,” he added.
The parade contingents participating in the UT Level Independence Parade include contingents from J&K Police, J&K Armed Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, SDRF, FPF, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC Cadets, Children of Govt. and Police Public School, Pipe Band/ Brass Band of J&K Police and other Para Military Forces.
He said checkpoints have been set up at strategic locations, and thorough frisking and identity checks are being conducted on vehicles and pedestrians alike.
“Random frisking of pedestrians and searches in vehicles were carried out in many parts of Srinagar including Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and other places. Apart from ground surveillance, we are utilizing advanced technology for surveillance purposes,” he said.
The official said that drones will be used on 15th Aug celebrations. The bomb disposal squads and canine units have been placed on standby to promptly respond to any suspicious items or activities,” he said.
Meanwhile authorities have intensified security measures, including vehicle inspections along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, in preparation for the 78th Independence Day.
Security personnel were actively conducting checks to ensure the safe and smooth execution of the celebrations.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udhampur, Prehlad Kumar, urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the police in the lead-up to Independence Day.
Kumar told Rising Kashmir that collaborative efforts of various security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in conducting thorough security checks.
“We are inspecting vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and advise everyone to alert the police if they observe anything unusual,” he said.
In Jammu city and other districts, security has been tightened and additional troops have been deployed at vital highways and junctions.
