Heightened security on Republic Day across Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 26: Republic Day was celebrated across Kashmir on Sunday with functions held in all district headquarters, marking the occasion amidst heightened security measures but a generally relaxed atmosphere, officials said.

The main event in the valley took place at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary presided as the chief guest.

Braving the early morning chill, contingents from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, NCC, and local schoolchildren participated in the march-past, presenting a salute to Choudhary. The parade was followed by cultural performances from artists representing various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the region’s rich heritage. The stadium was packed with attendees, including government employees, local residents, and schoolchildren, who joined in the national celebrations.

The event saw significant security arrangements, with large deployments of security personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the Republic Day functions. However, in a sign of relative normalcy, the atmosphere in Srinagar was visibly relaxed compared to previous years. Fewer checkposts were set up to regulate traffic, and concertina wires, which had been a regular feature of security measures in past years, were not used to block city intersections.

Notably, this year marked a departure from the routine security protocols of suspending mobile internet services.

Unlike in previous years, when mobile internet was suspended as part of the security drill—especially after the 2005 IED blast outside the Independence Day function venue—the internet remained functional throughout the day, contributing to a more relaxed environment.

Similar Republic Day functions were held across all district headquarters in the Kashmir Valley. In Anantnag, Minister Sakina Ittoo presided over the celebrations, while her cabinet colleague, Javaid Ahmad Dar, unfurled the national flag in Baramulla. Events were also organized at various government offices and educational institutions across the region, with local authorities making efforts to involve people from all walks of life in the celebrations.

Despite the security presence, the atmosphere in the Valley was less tense than in previous years, a reflection of efforts to strike a balance between maintaining order and allowing Kashmir to observe the national holiday with dignity.

The absence of major security restrictions and the continuation of mobile internet services were viewed as a positive sign of normalization in Kashmir , though security forces remained on alert throughout the day.

In addition to the official events, local residents also participated in smaller gatherings across the Valley, reflecting the sense of pride and patriotism that continues to define the Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir.