Security forces conduct speculative CASOs in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jan 25: Amid heightened security arrangements for the 77th Republic Day celebrations scheduled for Monday, security forces intensified speculative Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) in Old Srinagar and other sensitive areas of the city, officials said.
The move comes as part of a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy aimed at ensuring peaceful and incident-free Republic Day functions across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar where the main city-level celebrations will be held at the Bakshi Stadium.
Over the past few days, additional checkpoints and mobile nakas have been established at key entry and exit points across Srinagar, with special focus on the old city areas known for their dense population and narrow lanes.
Security personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other agencies have been conducting intensified frisking of commuters, pedestrians, and vehicles. Random identity checks and vehicle inspections have also been stepped up to pre-empt any attempt to disrupt the celebrations.
Officials said speculative CASOs were launched in select localities in Downtown based on specific security inputs. These operations, carried out during night and early morning hours, involved area domination, house-to-house verification in limited pockets, and heightened surveillance to rule out the presence of any suspicious elements. Authorities stressed that the operations are precautionary in nature and part of standard operating procedures ahead of major national events.
Security has been significantly beefed up around Bakshi Stadium, the venue for the Republic Day function in Srinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will unfurl the National Flag and take the ceremonial salute. The entire stadium perimeter has been placed under a tight security cordon, with multi-tier deployment, CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) stationed at strategic locations.=
Access control measures have been strictly enforced around the venue, with designated entry points, metal detectors, and thorough frisking of all attendees. Traffic diversions and restrictions have also been put in place in adjoining areas to ensure smooth movement and prevent congestion on the day of the event.
Senior police and civil administration officials are closely monitoring the security arrangements, conducting regular reviews, and coordinating with various agencies to ensure seamless execution of the Republic Day celebrations. Officials said that while robust security measures are in place, efforts have been made to facilitate public participation and minimise inconvenience to citizens.
