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For India's Republic Day, Security Arrangements Beefed Up in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Jan 22: Ahead of India's Republic Day, the security arrangements in violence-hit Kashmir have been intensified to thwart militants from carrying out spectacular attacks on that day.

The strength of police and para-military personnel in the summer capital Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir have been increased. The soldiers are conducting surprise crackdown operations and frisking people, passersby, commuters and shoppers during such operations. The areas around Bakshi Stadium, where the main function would be held in Kashmir and Indian tri-colour unfurled are being sensitized by the Indian para-miltary personnel. They have placed barbed wire and additional barricades along the roads leading to the Baskhi Stadium.

All the vehicles and people passing through the area are being thoroughly checked and frisked. The documents of each and every vehicle besides the identity card of traveler and passerby is being searched.

Security measures have also been intensified around major government and military installations in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. "Surveillance cameras have been installed at various places in Srinagar to maintain a constant vigil over sensitive spots. The movement of people in the summer capital is being constantly monitored by the security agencies", a top police officer said.

Indian army and para-miltary soldiers have pressed sniffer dogs into service to detect the explosive devices, if any, planted by the militants.

It is pertinent to mention here that militants in the past have carried out attacks on India's Republic Day (January 26) in Kashmir to make their presence felt.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.