78th I-Day to be celebrated amid tight security in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir is set to celebrate 78th Independence Day on Thursday with a series of events and functions amid tight security arrangements.

The celebrations will be held in Srinagar, Jammu, district and block headquarters, government institutions, and all educational institutions. In Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium.

The LG’s Advisor, R R Bhatnagar will lead the celebrations at M A Stadium in Jammu.

Public representatives, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members will hoist the tricolour at district, sub-district, tehsil headquarters, and panchayats across J&K.

The events will not be limited to official functions alone.

Various departments have organised competitions, cultural activities, and patriotic events at district, school, and panchayat levels, ensuring widespread participation and enthusiasm among the populace.

In the backdrop, extraordinary security measures have been implemented to ensure peaceful celebrations.

“We have finalised all security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of functions during the Independence Day celebrations across J&K. Both human and technical means will be used to ensure incident-free celebrations,” a senior Police officer said.

The official said that high-rise buildings around the main venues in Srinagar and Jammu have been occupied by sharpshooters of the Police and CRPF to prevent any untoward incidents.

“All high-rise buildings surrounding the Independence Day venues are under constant surveillance by our sharpshooters. Additionally, drones are being used to monitor the situation on the ground,” the official said.

Reports from Srinagar said that commuters on roads and highways were being subjected to thorough checks, with security forces conducting detailed frisking and identity verification.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of citizens and the successful execution of Independence Day events,” a Police officer in Srinagar said.

In Jammu, similar security protocols have been enforced, with multiple layers of security personnel deployed at strategic locations.

“We are coordinating with various security agencies to maintain law and order. People should cooperate with security personnel for their safety,” said a senior Police official from Jammu.

The government has urged people to participate in the celebrations with zeal and assured them that all necessary measures were in place to ensure their safety.

NO RESTRICTIONS ON INTERNET

There will be no restrictions or internet in Kashmir on Independence Day, but three-tier security will cover key venues to avoid any untoward event, officials said.

Internet services used to remain suspended across Kashmir on important events like Independence Day and Republic Day due to security concerns between 2005 and 2021.

However, no such restrictions have been imposed in the region over the last four years.

“There won’t be any restrictions in any part of Kashmir on Independence Day. Also, there won’t be restrictions on the internet on Independence Day. We are expecting huge participation of people in parades,” officials said.

However, they said a three-tier security cover and drone surveillance had been put in place across Kashmir on August 15 to prevent any untoward incidents or threats.

“Drones will be used for surveillance across the region, and security arrangements have been made to ensure that common people do not face any problems,” they said calling upon residents to join the celebrations in large numbers.