 ISHTIYAQ AHMAD
EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, Jan 21: The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert with inputs of 'militant' attack looming large before Republic Day on January 26. The main function of the Republic Day-2021 is being held at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, where the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the function and take the salute.
Intelligence sources told Early Times that they have received inputs that "militants have been tasked by their handlers to carry out dastardly attacks in the run up to republic day".
"There are inputs that militants could launch attacks on security installations in south Kashmir and defence positions across the south of Pir Panjal in the Jammu region" sources maintained. The Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, in his recent press conference in Srinagar, had also said that the militants would try to disrupt the Republic day functions but police will ensure all such attempts will be foiled.
Sources said that security forces were seen in main chowks, government installations and highway manning the road. The CRPF, JKP and Army were seen carrying out regular patrolling in both the regions of the Union territory. Police sources said that a high alert has been imposed across the Kashmir Valley ahead of the Republic Day.
One of the top police officials said that they will ensure that the January 26 celebrations go well. "We have taken all the precautions and sufficient deployments have been made. I am sure January 26 will pass off peacefully and well-attended," 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 January 26, 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. Meanwhile, the UT administration has made it mandatory for all officers stationed at Srinagar and Jammu to attend the main Republic days functions at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonawar, and Parade Ground, Jammu, respectively, as part of their official duty.
"Any absence will be with prior permission of their immediate superior. All the administrative secretaries, heads of the departments, managing directors and chief executives of the public sector undertakings are requested to ensure that all officers and officials working under their administrative control, and stationed at Srinagar and Jammu, attend the function at their respective places," reads a circular issued by the government. |
