Bashir Assad
Srinagar, Aug 13 :Ahead of Independence day celebrations, security in Kashmir has been beefed up to ensure an incident-free Independence day on August15 in Kashmir valley. A security blanket has been thrown around vital installations and checking intensified across Kashmir valley with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF contingents deployed in strength in and around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to hoist the flag ceremony.
The tightened security arrangements were made in the wake of surge in infiltration attempts and alleged ceasefire violations from across the border and escalation in militant activities in the Valley, officials said.The Bakshi Stadium has been virtually sealed by a large contingent of police and CRPF personnel, while special check points have been set up at various places within the city and its outskirts, especially the entry points leading to the capital. Police have intensified frisking of motorcycles to avoid any security lapse with regards to August 15.A senior police official said security has been put to high vigil. "We are maintaining a high vigil as part of preparations for the Independence Day celebrations in order to avoid any untoward incident" said he
."We have intensified checking of motorcycles so as to prevent any Hyderpora like incidents in which motorcycles were used," the official said, adding that it is possible to escape on two-wheeler rather in a big car. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Aashiq Hussain Bhukhari said, "Frisking and checking of identity cards are routine on August 15 as part of security preparations.
There is no specific input about any particular target of militants on this Independence Day." Police and paramilitary forces have put up nakas at various locations across the city routes to intensify searches of two wheelers and three wheelers.
"For the I-Day celebrations we have made ample security arrangements," a senior police official said, adding that the forces had made full preparations to deal with any eventuality. Meanwhile full dress rehearsals were held at all the district and Tehsil headquarters of the Kashmir Valley in connection with the 15thAugust celebrations on Tuesday. At Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar supervised the full dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium. On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah after unfurling the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past.
The march past was presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, IRP, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, Women Police, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services and school children of various educational institutions besides contingents of Forest Protection Force.
A variety of colourful cultural programmes were presented by students of Educational Institutions in collaboration with Information department, Youth Services and Sports Departments and Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. On the occasion, senior civil, police and para-military forces were present. |
