SRINAGAR, JAN 22: The Kashmir Valley is gearing up for grand Republic Day celebrations on January 26, featuring the hoisting of the tricolour on government buildings adorned with festive lights.
Notably, no passes will be needed for the general public to participate in events throughout the valley.
The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar has undergone significant improvement, featuring modern amenities and enhanced provisions for public utility. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has instructed the police and other security agencies to ensure thorough and effective security arrangements in and around the venue.
He has directed for supply of water, power, healthcare, parking, transportation, sanitation, seating, heating, public address systems, and firefighting measures.
A police official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Gogjibagh, Magarmal Bagh, Natipora, Lal Chowk and Rajbagh areas.
A three-tier security blanket involving helicopter reconnaissance and drone surveillance has been planned to ensure smooth and peaceful Republic 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 Republic Day function in the valley, officials said.
“There will be no suspension of internet services on Republic Day. We have not done it for the past four years,” the official said.
An official said the government has decided that all the government buildings, offices including schools, colleges, universities, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), panchayats, blocks, and tehsils would be decorated with lights and would hoist the national flag on the respective buildings and offices.
The official said all arrangements for the celebrations of Republic Day are put in place. He said people can come to participate in Republic Day celebrations as there is no requirement for passes to attend the main event on January 26.
He said there would be no restrictions imposed on the eve of Republic Day in the region. He also confirmed that internet services and facilities will continue to operate smoothly.
