Security Beefed Up in Kashmir, Before Republic Day

Srinagar, Jan 25: The security apparatus across Kashmir has been beefed up a day before the January 26 (Republic Day of India).

All the roads leading to Bakshi Stadium, where the main function of January 26 will be held, have been sealed. The police and paramilitary personnel have sensitized the buildings around the stadium.

“Sharp shooters will be deployed on high rise buildings near Bakshi Stadium while a close watch will be maintained through Close Circuit TVs (CCTvs) installed in Srinagar,” police sources said.

Police and paramilitary personnel have established check-points at different places in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. The cops were conducting random search of vehicles and passersby. The police, CRPF and army men were conducting thorough checking of vehicles entering Srinagar from different districts.

A senior police official said three-tier security arrangements have been put in place in and around the Bakshi stadium, where the main function of January 26 will be held tomorrow.

He said adequate security measures have been taken to thwart any possible militant strikes.

“All mobile networks will be jammed till January 26 functions pass off,” he said.

The security apparatus around vital government and military installations have been beefed up. “More security men armed with sophisticated weapons have been deployed in these installations to thwart any militant attack,” a police official said.

A senior paramilitary official said despite decline in militancy, there were chances that militants may attempt to disrupt the January 26 function by resorting to violent means.

He said all necessary measures have been taken to tackle to deal with any eventuality. “The forces have been put on high alert,” he said.

Fayaz Wani

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.