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76th Republic Day today

A large number of people are expected to gather at venues across J&K, reflecting a strong sense of national pride and unity
01:15 AM Jan 26, 2025 IST | SHABIR IBN YUSUF
76th republic day today
Mubashir Khan/GK
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Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 25: Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, like other parts of country, will celebrate the 76th Republic Day on Sunday with grandeur and patriotic fervour, amid unprecedented security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations.

A large number of people are expected to gather at venues across J&K, reflecting a strong sense of national pride and unity.

Main Republic Day function in the Union Territory will take place in Jammu at Maulana Azad Stadium. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the function and will take the ceremonial salute during the parade. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be the chief guest at the event.

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The event is slated to feature a colourful display of cultural programmes, awe-inspiring parade by contingents from Army, Police, CAPFs, NCC cadets, school students besides others and tableaux showcasing the diverse heritage and developmental progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

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In Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will lead the Republic Day celebrations at the Bakshi Stadium and take the ceremonial salute. The venue is expected to be filled with enthusiastic participants, including students, government officials, and members of the public, who would brave the cold to take part in the event.

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A significant number of people are expected to participate in the celebrations across the Union Territory. The administration’s efforts to encourage public participation, including the simplified entry process, seem to have resonated well with the people.

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In addition to the official functions, schools, colleges, and community centres will hold flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

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UNPRECEDENTED SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE

Multi-tier security arrangements have been implemented to ensure a safe environment for the celebrations. Surveillance drones, spotters, and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been deployed at key locations, while checkpoints have been set up to monitor movement. Security forces are conducting thorough checks and patrolling areas around the venues to address any potential threats.

In Jammu, where the main event is to take place, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Samba, Kathua (JSK) range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, on the eve of Republic Day, conducted inspection in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. He took stock of preparation of security arrangements of the Republic Day celebration at main venues including MA Stadium Jammu, Sport Stadium Samba and Sports Stadium Kathua.

DIG also reviewed present security scenario in Bhatindi, Sainik Colony, Chatta, Parmandal Mohr, Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur, Samba Railway Station, Naka Lodi Mohr, Dayala Chack, Rajbagh, Nagri, Bambyal, Basholi, Billawar, Mansar, Dhar Road, National Highway Jammu to Kathua with concerned Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and other officers.

During the inspection, DIG JSK range emphasized the importance of the safety and security of the participants in the Republic Day celebrations’ venues. He highlighted the need for meticulous planning and execution of security measures to address any potential threats and challenges.

All the officers were exhorted to implement operation third eye in their respective jurisdiction in coordination with other stake-holders for the foolproof security in their area of responsibility.

They (officers) were directed to strengthen all the nakas especially during night and wee hours. It was also discussed that proper liaison be maintained with all the intelligence agencies (Army, para military forces and other central agencies) in their respective jurisdiction.

Besides, he assessed strategies to manage the expected high influx of participants, including traffic regulation, parking facilities, and emergency response measures and emergencies during the celebrations.

Unprecedented layered security arrangements in and around M A Stadium, already out of bounds for the public for the past over one week, have been put in place with heavy presence of Police and CRPF personnel in key areas of Jammu city. Heightened vigil is being maintained across the Jammu region in perfect synergy with the Army, BSF and other security agencies along the International Border, Line of Control and hinterland areas.

DIG Sharma visited MA Stadium besides other venues of district Jammu, Samba and Kathua to take stock of security and preparedness. He also instructed all officers to take all safety measures and keep the free flow of traffic on National Highway whose progress work is underway.

During enroute naka checking, he directed all the officers to remain extra vigilant during their duty hours.

Instructions were given to all the officers to keep active surveillance over the activities of Over Ground Workers (OGWs), history sheeters and trouble creators and start area domination from early morning to ensure incident free celebration.

Officers of Police component were also directed by DIG JSK Range to activate all the SOG Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to deal with any kind of counter insurgency exigency. Ahead of Republic Day, the Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat had also visited strategically important areas and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in different districts of Jammu region to take a comprehensive operational review.

Additional Director General (ADG), Border Security Force (BSF) Western Command, Satish S Khandare too reviewed the security situation, troop deployment and operational aspects along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district on Friday.

On Thursday, Khandare, accompanied by IG BSF Jammu Frontier, D K Boora, also called on J&K DGP, Nalin Prabhat and discussed issues pertaining to security, border management and operational aspects.

KASHMIR IMBUES FESTIVE FERVOUR AMID HEIGHTENED SURVEILLANCE

IGP VK Birdi, who oversaw the security arrangements in Kashmir, assured the public of a secure environment. “The police and other security agencies have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of participants. Surveillance is being maintained, and our teams are on high alert to respond to any untoward incidents,” he said on Friday.

The celebrations will mark vibrant cultural performances reflecting the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Students will perform traditional dances and patriotic songs, while tableaux are set to depict themes such as women empowerment, rural development, and technological advancements.

A standout moment will be the rendition of the national anthem, which echoes through the venues and fills the air with a sense of unity and pride.