Security heightened across J&K ahead of Republic Day celebrations
Srinagar, Jan 23: Elaborate security arrangements across the Union Territory have been put in place in the run up to the Republic Day celebrations. From intensified frisking and checking at key locations to aerial surveillance, the measures are aimed at ensuring an incident-free event.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will hoist the national flag and take the salute in Jammu while Deputy Chief Minister Surender Choudhary, is slated to lead the celebrations in Srinagar.
"All arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and joyous Republic Day. Every effort is being made to maintain law and order and neutralise any potential threats. We appeal to the public to cooperate with security forces during frisking and other security checks," a top J&K Police officer said.
He said Republic Day is being celebrated under tight security in the backdrop of past threats and a general alert issued across J&K. Despite the stringent measures, the officer said that they have made it clear that normal life should not be disrupted, and people in large numbers are encouraged to participate in the celebrations.
The security arrangements in Srinagar as well as Jammu have been heightened with a multi-layered approach to prevent any untoward incident. Additional checkpoints have been set up across major roads, and vehicles are being thoroughly checked. Security personnel have also intensified patrolling in sensitive areas, while drones are being used to monitor the situation from above.
In Jammu, highly intensified security arrangements have been made. Police and paramilitary personnel conducted random checks at various locations in Jammu city to maintain security.
"Every possible step is being taken to maintain peace and order. Anti-sabotage teams, sniffer dogs, and bomb disposal squads have been deployed at strategic points. Multi-tier security layers have been set up at the Maulana Azad Stadium, and entry is strictly regulated," a senior police officer of Zonal Police Headquarters Jammu said.
In Srinagar, the vigil has been intensified and movement at all roads coming out to Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, venue of the official Republic Day function, have been kept under surveillance.
In order to screen and check the commuter movements, security forces have erected barriers at various places in Jammu as well as Srinagar. A sharp watch of the police and the paramilitary and intelligence machinery is being kept around the clock.
"We have deployed additional forces to ensure a secure environment. Aerial surveillance using drones is also in place to monitor any suspicious activities. Public cooperation is essential, and we request citizens to report anything unusual immediately,” a senior police officer said here.
Markets, public transport hubs, and points of entry to Srinagar are under close surveillance, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police guarding these areas. Special vigil is being maintained over vulnerable spots and vital installations. Police officials said that aerial surveillance has been deployed in both Srinagar and Jammu to keep a vigilant eye on the proceedings. "Drone technology is being utilised for real-time monitoring. This has added an additional layer of security to the arrangements," an officer said. Along with increasing security arrangements, security forces are alert throughout the Union Territory so that the people will celebrate without fear. All agencies are coordinating for thwarting all possible threats.
