Srinagar, Aug 14: Ahead of Independence Day on Monday, Kashmir is under a thick security grid and a three-tier security system has been set up around Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium and other major venues in the Valley, while adequate arrangements have been placed in all 10 districts headquarters, officials said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements regarding the Independence Day have been finalized in the Valley.
The Div Com said the main function would be held at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonwar where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha would unfurl the tri-color and take the salute. In this regard all arrangements have been finalized, he added.
“The function will be followed by a parade, formal speeches, and cultural programs, the Div Com said.
Pole further informed that they have already directed Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) representatives to unfurl the national flag at the district, sub-district, tehsil level, as well as in their respective panchayats.
“At district headquarters, elected District Development Council (DDC) representatives, chairpersons will unfurl the national flag,” he said.
Expressing optimism, Pole said, “We are expecting a peaceful day in Kashmir.”
A senior officer at the Police department told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been finalized regarding the August 15th celebrations on Monday.
The officer said tight security arrangements have been put in place around the venue for peaceful conduct.
There would be multiple checkpoints from the main gate of SK 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 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.
“Random frisking of cars and motorcycles is being carried out in various parts of the city to thwart any subversive plans of the terrorists,” he said.
The officer said nakas, checking points will continue to operate along with the major highway in the Valley as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.
The police officer said although there was no specific input about any elements, it was a preventive measure that police had taken ahead of August 15th.
“We want to ensure peace in the city and there will be no compromise on that. Extra barricades were erected and deployment of paramilitary forces has been increased at vital locations to foil any attempts by anti-national elements,” he said.
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.
Regarding snapping of internet services, Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar said there will be no internet suspension on Monday.
“There is no need to pay heed on rumors. There will no internet suspension on Independence day,” he said.
Similarly in other parts of Kashmir, adequate security measures have been placed to ensure incident-free 15 August functions.
