Jammu: Security arrangements have been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Independence Day, with police and security forces stepping up surveillance, patrolling, anti-sabotage checks and access-control measures at vulnerable locations and major public venues.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room in Srinagar and directed officers to strengthen security measures across the Union Territory ahead of the August 15 celebrations.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security formations. Officials reviewed security deployment, intelligence inputs, route security, traffic management, access control, surveillance and arrangements at major Independence Day venues.
The DGP stressed the need for close coordination among the police, CAPFs and other security agencies, directing officers to ensure intelligence-based action and maintain a rapid response mechanism to deal with any emerging threat.
Special focus was placed on Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the main venue for the UT-level Independence Day celebrations. Officers were directed to ensure adequate security at the venue, strengthen access-control arrangements and regulate the movement of people and traffic in and around the stadium.
The security review also covered anti-sabotage measures, route sanitisation and deployment of personnel at important locations across Jammu and Kashmir.
The DGP directed officers to intensify night patrolling and naka checking, particularly at vulnerable points and along inter-district borders. Frisking and surveillance have also been strengthened at sensitive and crowded locations as part of the pre-Independence Day security exercise.
Meanwhile, security has been further strengthened in Reasi district, including the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which witnesses a large influx of pilgrims from across the country.
Reasi SSP Tibrewal said security agencies were carrying out anti-sabotage checks, frisking, hotel verification and area domination operations in vulnerable areas ahead of Independence Day.
He said the festival was considered sensitive from a security perspective and that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Special attention has been given to the security of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. SOG teams have been deployed to dominate areas surrounding the shrine, while security checks and surveillance have been intensified at key locations.
Authorities are also carrying out hotel verification and area domination in adjoining hills, while Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been activated as part of the overall security arrangements.
The enhanced security measures come as people across Jammu and Kashmir prepare to participate in Independence Day celebrations and related events. Authorities have urged all security formations to maintain vigilance while ensuring smooth movement of residents, visitors and pilgrims.
In Reasi, a series of events have also been organised under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. A Tiranga Rally was held in the district on Thursday, while a rafting rally had earlier been organised on the Chenab in coordination with the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Kumar Abhishek said the administration was fully prepared for the Independence Day celebrations and that necessary arrangements had been put in place.
The J&K Police and security agencies have been directed to maintain strict adherence to standard operating procedures and ensure continuous coordination among different formations throughout the celebrations.
With Independence Day only a day away, security forces have intensified checking and surveillance across the Union Territory to ensure that the celebrations are held peacefully and without disruption.
