Security tightened ahead of Independence Day

14/08/2017

JAMMU, Aug 13: Authorities have beefed up security around vital installations as various arrangements were final-ised to ensure peaceful celebration of Ind-ependence Day functions across Jammu region on Tuesday, officials said.
The arrangements were finalised at a series of meetings chaired by senior civil and police officials over the past week, also taking into account the situation along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) where ceasefire violations from across have become a routine over the past three months, the officials said.
The main Independence Day function is scheduled to take place at mini-stadium in the heart of winter capital Jammu where Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh is expected to unfurl the national flag on August 15.
Last week, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh finalised various security measures at a high-level meeting with senior police and security officers including central intelligence agencies.
"A detailed assessment on intelligence was given by the state and central intelligence agencies during the meeting which later took a detailed account of the security arrangements that have been put in place in connection with the forthcoming Independence day celebrations in and around Jammu city as well as in the border areas," the officials said.
He said the meeting discussed all the elements of preparation for the parade including composition of parade contingents, preparation of venue, anti-sabotage checks of the venues, barricading, traffic arrangements, fire services and medical facilities.
Acting on the directions, the security around vital installations was beefed up while patrolling has been intensified in sensitive areas especially along the borders to check any attempt of infiltration, movement of anti-national elements to forestall any ill conceived plan of terrorists, the officials said.
The officials said additional security forces with special squads of sniffer dogs and electronic surveillance gadgets were deployed at various places including railway and bus stations and important religious places to keep strict vigil.
Senior superintendent of police at district headquarters also reviewed the security situation in each district and ordered strengthening of security at minority pockets and crowded places, the officials said.
Security has been also tightened around Army, police and paramilitary camps throughout the region, the officials said.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being put in place and asked the officers to work in close coordination with each other with greater synergy.
However, Security has been beefed up across Kashmir ahead of the Independence Day in view of the recent spurt in militancy-related incidents in the valley, officials said.
A thick security blanket has been thrown around vital installations here in the summer capital as well as in other districts of the valley ahead of the Independence Day to thwart any attempt by militants to disrupt the celebrations, the officials said.
They said Bakshi Stadium - the main venue of the Independence Day function in the valley where Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is scheduled to unfurl the national flag has virtually been sealed by a large contingent of the police and CRPF personnel.
Special check-points have been set up at various places within the city and its outskirts, especially the entry points leading to the capital and vehicles are being stopped for searches and for frisking of the occupants to thwart any attempts by militants to disrupt the proceedings, the officials said.
The security grid is also relying on modern gadgetry like CCTV cameras and human intelligence to ensure a peaceful Independence Day, they said.
Similar arrangements have been in place at district headquarters where the functions are scheduled to take place, the officials said, adding the security forces have been directed to remain vigilant and intensify checking to keep the militants at bay.
Meanwhile, a full dress rehearsal of the Independence Day parade was held at Bakshi Stadium here.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Khan took salute at the march past in which contingents of various security forces and school children took part.
A stuntman was injured accidentally while doing a daredevil stunt during the function, the officials said.

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