Srinagar, Aug 04: Ahead of the Independence- Day celebrations on 15 August, security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir Union territory.
Moreover to make the event a festive occasion, all the government offices, buildings, schools, colleges and universities will host the national flag on August 15.
The police said that the security has been beefed up across the Union territory.
One of the top officials said that they will ensure that the 15 August celebrations go well. “We will take all the precautions and sufficient deployments will be made.” he added.
Sources said that the police and other agencies were busy making additional deployment in the areas along the international border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
In border belts, senior police officers have visited the sensitive areas personally to review the border security management, and called for effective liaison among various security agencies.
Senior police officials also convened meetings to review the security measures to be taken in the run up to 15 August, and to take stock of the progress of other allied arrangements in view of the prevailing security concerns in the region.
The offices asked the officers to step up vigil and security to check any attempt of infiltration, and movement of anti-national elements.
“All the check posts along the border roads, national highway and other interior highways will be put on high alert round the clock,” said the official.
Sources said that the authorities reviewed the security situation. “Independence day will be celebrated with great fervor. All arrangements will be made” one of the top officials said.
Reports said that checkpoints have been erected in many places in Srinagar and frisking has been intensified. Police are seen at many places stopping and checking the vehicles.
An official at DC Srinagar office said that councilors, Panches, Sarpanches and chairperson of block development councils would be invited from Srinagar to attend main celebrations while others would attend in their respective districts. “These all fall in the VIP category,” the official said.
Sources said that district development commissioners have been directed to prepare a list of invitees.
“Invitees shall include VVIP and VIPs including chairperson BDCs, Panches, Sarpanches and councilors,” sources said.
“An extensive plan shall be prepared by the police department encompassing vital areas, movements and entries. Firm barricades should be erected in and around the venue taking into consideration the security concerns,” the authorities have said.
A senior official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Dal Gate and Sonawar areas. “The security agencies have been directed to take extra measures,” the official said.
Sources said that Technology too will be used to keep a tight vigil in and around the venue.
Sources said that senior police officers have been assigned the job of monitoring the suspicious movement in the city.
“Sharp shooters on the top of various buildings in different areas around the stadium will be put in place for security reasons to stop any untoward incident,” sources said.
Meanwhile, officials said that security has also been beefed up in north Kashmir areas of Sopore, Kupwara, Baramulla Bandipora and Handwara.
Pulwama, Shopian, Islamabad (Anantnag) and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir also witnessed tight security.
The security measures to thwart any designs of militants to create trouble on two major events of national importance Independence Day and Republic Day have remained the top concern of the police forces and other security agencies ever since the eruption of the armed militancy in 1989-90 in the Union territory.
Meanwhile Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta has reviewed the final arrangements for the Independence Day 2023.
Officials said that the Chief Secretary in a high level meeting reviewed the arrangements and during the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on various aspects of the event, including security measures, traffic management, cultural programs, flag hoisting ceremonies, public engagements and other related arrangements.
“The day symbolizes the spirit of freedom and unity and therefore grand celebrations right from Panchayat level should be held with due fervour to mark this grand occasion. There is a need for meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a seamless and befitting celebration, showcasing the nation’s pride and achievements,” the CS has told the meeting.
