Security beefed up ahead of I-Day

SRINAGAR: Security forces have been put on high alert in state, especially in Kashmir Valley, ahead of Independence Day to thwart terrorists' attempts to disrupt official functions and celebrations on August 15.

While state police chief SP Vaid asserted that all efforts are in place for peaceful celebrations, Governor N N vohra was briefed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir and ADGP Law and Order about the arrangements planned for Wednesday.

Tensions rise high in state around the Independence Day as terrorists have made attempts during the last 30 years to attract national and international attention by carrying out attacks around August 15.

“Stringent security measures have been put in place. The police is alert,” director general of police (DGP) S P Vaid told reporters here.

"In addition, we are taking sufficient extra steps to ensure that everything passes off peacefully on August 15. The police and other security forces will ensure that the people celebrate Independence Day without any fear, Vaid said.

Meanwhile, Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Muneer Ahmad Khan, ADGP Law and Order and SP Pani, IGP Kashmir, called on Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhavan today.

Khan briefed Governor about the details of the counter-terrorist operation in Batmaloo area yesterday morning and the surveillance arrangements which have since been enhanced in the entire city and beyond.

Baseer Khan and Pani briefed Governor about the arrangements which have been put in place for the Independence Day Celebrations on 15th August 2018.

A police official said huge number of security men have been stationed near important function areas. The venues have also been sealed, the official said.

The Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, where Governor N N Vohra will unfurl the Tricolour as part of the main Independence Day event, has been turned into a virtual fortress, the official said.

CCTV cameras, electronic access control equipment, drones, sniffer dogs, sharp shooters pitched on top of high rise buildings overlooking the venue, are some of the arrangements in addition to heavy deployment of manpower, bullet proof bunkers and surveillance squads posted around the stadium.
In Winter capital Jammu, the security arrangements are also tight, where Advisor B B Vyas will unfurl the Tricolour. All roads leading to the venue have been blocked by cross parking of security force vehicles and coils of concertina wire.

The usual security drill is being followed, but some extra measures have been put in place to ensure the day passes peacefully, he said.

A number of check-points have been set up at various junctions and main entry-points to Srinagar, further vehicles are being checked routinely, the official said.

The state government headed by Vohra has issued orders to all provincial and state level officers to attend the parade in addition to the senior officers of the Srinagar district administration.

Separatists have called for a protest shutdown to attract international attention towards what they call the unresolved Kashmir dispute.