Jammu and Kashmir has been placed under a comprehensive multi-layer security grid ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with police and security forces intensifying surveillance, area domination exercises and access control measures across the Union Territory to ensure peaceful festivities, as Inspector General of Police Kashmir (IGP) Zone V.K. Birdi chaired a high-level security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to assess preparedness for the main function at Bakshi Stadium and other events across the Valley.
The main Independence Day function in Srinagar will be held at Bakshi Stadium, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will hoist the National Flag and take the salute at the ceremonial parade. In Jammu, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will hoist the National Flag at the main official function and take the salute at the parade.
IGP Kashmir chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir on Monday to assess the overall security scenario and review arrangements for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations and other events scheduled across all districts of the Kashmir Valley.
The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs (K), IG CRPF KOS, Addl. Commissioner SB Srinagar, IG CRPF Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, all range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG IR/Armed Kashmir, DIGs of CRPF South/North Srinagar, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSPs of Kashmir Zone, Col GS (IS) 15 Corps, SSPs of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, CID SB (K), APCR Srinagar, CID CI (K), Security Kashmir, CO SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar, Traffic City Srinagar, Asstt. Director SIB Srinagar, SP East City Srinagar, SP Cargo, SP South City Srinagar, and other senior officers.
At the outset, IGP Kashmir was briefed by senior officers on security arrangements put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other events. District SSPs also briefed the chair about preparations and security arrangements being made in their respective districts. Birdi directed all participating officers to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed well in advance.
The Kashmir Police chief reviewed security arrangements for various events planned across the valley, including rallies, and assigned specific responsibilities to concerned officers. He also reviewed security arrangements for the main function scheduled to be held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, and directed officers to further strengthen security measures and ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the event.
Birdi directed participating officers to further strengthen security checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along entry and exit routes of the city. He also directed officers to intensify area domination and patrolling, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas, to maintain a robust security presence and ensure effective surveillance. IGP Kashmir emphasized strict vigilance against elements inimical to peace and security and called for enhanced alertness across all jurisdictions.
A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the Union Territory, with special emphasis on safeguarding venues hosting official functions, vital installations and other sensitive locations.
“We have put in place a comprehensive and multi-layered security plan across Jammu and Kashmir for the Independence Day celebrations. Security deployment has been significantly enhanced at all venues, while anti-sabotage checks and sanitisation exercises are being carried out regularly,” the officer said. “Multi-tier security checkpoints have been established, frisking of pedestrians and random vehicle checking have been intensified, and surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones has been strengthened.”
He said that Quick Reaction Teams, bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units have been deployed at strategic locations, while security personnel are maintaining a high level of alertness to ensure the celebrations are conducted peacefully and without any disruptions.
Security personnel have established additional checkpoints on highways, major roads and entry points leading to Srinagar, Jammu and district headquarters. Random vehicle inspections and frisking of pedestrians are being carried out at markets, transport hubs, hotels and other crowded public places.
Anti-sabotage squads, assisted by bomb disposal teams and sniffer dog units, are conducting extensive sanitisation of Bakshi Stadium and other venues well ahead of the celebrations. Access to the venues will be strictly regulated through designated entry gates, with identity verification and security screening mandatory for all participants, invitees and officials.
Police have expanded CCTV surveillance across major intersections, commercial areas and sensitive locations, while drones are being deployed for real-time aerial monitoring of venues and surrounding areas. Rooftop deployments, intensified foot patrols and mobile patrols have also been put in place to enhance security.
Quick Reaction Teams, Special Operations Group personnel and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed at strategic locations across the Union Territory. Area domination exercises, night patrolling and surprise checking operations have also been intensified to deter any untoward incident.
Security has been further strengthened around airports, railway stations, bus terminals, government offices, religious places, communication facilities and other critical infrastructure. Intelligence agencies are maintaining close coordination with the police and other security forces, while surveillance has been stepped up to monitor any suspicious activity.
The police have appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel during checking and frisking and urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious object or movement to the nearest police station.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment towards heightened vigilance, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and effective implementation of security protocols to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Valley.
Officials expressed confidence that the elaborate security arrangements would ensure the smooth, peaceful and incident-free conduct of Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.
