Security tightened in Baramulla ahead of Republic Day

Baramulla, Jan 24: Security measures have been significantly intensified in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, with authorities implementing stringent checks on vehicles and passengers. The move aims to ensure a safe environment ahead of the Republic Day, a top officer said.

Security forces, in addition to existing checkpoints, have established an additional one at Chakloo Rafiabad on the Baramulla-Kupwara highway. The deployment of these checkpoints involves thorough inspections of individuals and vehicles, including the verification of identity cards.

"Deliberations are going on to install more additional check points on inner roads of Baramulla. The official decision is yet awaited from higher authorities," a top officer told Greater Kashmir.

The officer said the security has been tightened on Baramulla-Uri highway as well.

"Vehicle checking, frisking of passengers and two wheeler riders will be carried on eve of Republic Day in order to ensure that there is no chance left for any untoward incident," the officer told Greater Kashmir.

As already reported by this newspaper, a high level joint security meeting was held in Baramulla to hold deliberations on better coordination among the security agencies. The meeting was chaired by Major General Rajesh Sethi, GoC 19 Infantry Division at 19 Infantry Division headquarters.

Also, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range, Vidhi Kumar Birdi visited Baramulla and convened a meeting with officers of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with regard to the strengthening of security measures ahead of Republic Day-2024.

"Each security agency has been given their task based on the intelligence inputs and focus is given on better coordination and synergy among the security agencies. Checkpoints are set up and frisking is being done on intelligence inputs," the officer said.

Notably, Inspector General of CRPF Kashmir Sector Gyanendra Verma visited 53 BN and 92 BN of CRPF in Baramulla and Sopore. The IG CRPF Kashmir (Ops) sector took a night halt at Baramulla and next day visited 92 BN of CRPF in Sopore before returning to Srinagar.

"He took a comprehensive security review and assessed the operational preparedness of CRPF personnel ahead of 26 January function," the officer told Greater Kashmir.

The officer said all the measures are in place in terms of security arrangements and  night patrolling of security forces will continue as well.

"Security forces are vigilant and CCTV cameras are also monitoring the movement of people during day and night at strategic locations. A close eye is on the overall situation," the officer said.