Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar: The security forces in Kashmir are on a high alert with inputs of militant attack looming large just before Independence Day on August 15.
According to news agency KINS, the Independence Day will be celebrated with sobriety in Sher-I-Kashmir Cricket stadium in Srinagar with LG Manoj Sinha unfurling the tricolour in a programme which will have march past of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP).
In each district, Independence Day will be celebrated.
But, with a lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the Covid Pandemic, there are hardly people plying on roads. Schools and colleges are shut and shops are closed.
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.
Police said that a high alert has been imposed across the Kashmir Valley ahead of the Independence Day, amid an attack on Police party in Nawgam area of Srinagar.
One of the top police officials said that they will ensure that the August 15 celebrations go well. “We have taken all the precautions and sufficient deployments have been made. I am sure August 15 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 August 15, 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 checkposts 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 above the rank of Under Secretaries stationed at Srinagar and Jammu to attend the main I-day 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,” read a circular issued by the government.
The Director General of Police (DGP) said security across Kashmir and Srinagar will be further strengthened. (KINS)
