Srinagar Aug 14: After six years, the Bakshi Stadium Srinagar is all set to host the Independence Day function on Tuesday.
The Bakshi Stadium had been shut in 2017 for renovation work after being damaged in 2014 floods.
Since then main function of Independence Day was being held at Shar-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonawar.However, last year Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the refurbished and upgraded Bakshi Stadium.
While this year again Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir is go back to its original place and the administration has appealed to the members of the public to take part in the programme in large numbers.The stadium has been uplifted and upgraded with modern amenities along with proper and adequate provisions for public utility. The boundary wall of the stadium has been decorated with various paintings. The new stadium exhibits the rich and diverse culture of J&K.
Commissioner Kashmir has directed the police department and other security agencies to ensure “adequate and fool proof security” arrangements in and around the venue.He has also directed for supply of water, power, medicare, parking, transportation, sanitation, seating, and heating public address system, and fire fighting measures.
A police official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Gogjibagh, Magarmal Bagh, Natipora, Lal Chowk, Rajbagh areas.A three-tier security blanket involving helicopter reconnaissance and drone surveillance has been planned to ensure smooth and peaceful Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir, officials said.
Elite SOG personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police assisted by other security forces have started carrying out area domination exercises around city centre Lal Chowk and Bakshi stadium, the venue of the main Independence Day function in the valley, officials said.The Director School Education Kashmir has been directed to ensure participation of contingents of educational institutions including private schools in the main function.
“There will be no suspension of internet services on Independence Day. We have not done it for the past three years. Schools will be open, shops will be open, traffic will ply as usual. I have appealed to people to participate in numbers in the Independence Day functions,” Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said.
