Hi-tech security in city for Independence Day

Tribune News Service

Srinagar/ Jammu, August 14

It is 6 pm and the roads leading to do Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, the venue of main Independence Day function in the state, do not exhibit the typical security arrangements. It is for the first time that the main I-Day function is being held at this venue due to the ongoing construction work at Bakshi Stadium, the traditional venue for such functions since decades.

Despite a shootout only two days ago barely 3 km from the stadium, the security apparatus seems relaxed on the face of it, but stringent vigil is on. The authorities are relying on hi-tech drones, CCTV system and smart operation to ensure tight security for Independence Day in Kashmir. In the last three days, security forces have been carrying out extensive patrolling round the clock and nakas have been put in place in vulnerable areas in Srinagar to ensure that no disruption takes place.

Governor N N Vohra will take the salute at the parade and unfurl the Tricolour at the stadium.

The authorities said the road leading to the stadium would be closed late Tuesday. Police and paramilitary personnel have been carrying out random checking of vehicles outside the Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan complexes close to the venue.

“All arrangements are in place for peaceful I-Day functions,” said the IG, CRPF, Ravideep Sahi.

In major towns of the Valley, the Army has also chipped in to help the police in peaceful conduct of the I-Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, the joint leadership of Kashmiri separatists have called for a complete shutdown on August 15.

The vigil has also been increased following inputs that militants could target the Independence Day celebrations. An alert has been sounded both on the International Border and the Line of Control where security forces are keeping a tight vigil amid continuous infiltration attempts.

The checking points have been increased on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and on the Jammu-Pathankot highway which have remained the target points of militants in the past.

In Jammu too, the security has been beefed up for the main I-Day function in Parade Ground in the old city area.

“The deployment schedule has been issued and all measures have been put in place to ensure that Independence Day passes off peacefully,” said Vivek Gupta, SSP, Jammu.

On August 6, the Jammu police were able to foil a terror bid in New Delhi by arresting a courier in Jammu who was carrying eight hand grenades to the Capital.

Alert on border 

The vigil in the state has also been increased following inputs that militants could target the Independence Day celebrations. An alert has been sounded on the borders, both the International Border and the Line of Control where security forces are keeping a tight vigil amid continuous infiltration attempts.