Security has been tightened across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the border towns of the state ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
Sources said that Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army have increased the security on the 198-km-long International Border (IB) and the 744-km-long Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir, while state police increased its presence and activities in the vulnerable and important places in the interior areas.
Sources in BSF said that following the attack on Pathankot Air Base, a high alert has been sounded all along the International Border.
“Field commanders and men on the ground have been sensitised and asked to maintain a strict vigil because we have been getting intelligence inputs of possible disruptions by militants on January 26,” said a senior BSF officer.
Army, which is guarding Line of Control, maintained that it is always alert to respond to any challenge.
“We know the pulse of our neighbor and to defeat its nefarious deigns, alert has been sounded along the LoC ahead of republic day,” said an Army officer.
“All officers have been directed to seal the borders falling under their Area of Responsibility, using appropriate technology and human resources,” he added.
Sources further told that as infantry and artillery battalions of Army are guarding borders, its Rashtriya Rifles along with Jammu and Kashmir police launched search operations in several areas, mostly dense forests of Kishtwar, Poonch-Rajouri, Doda-Bhaderwah, Uri-Kupwara, Baramulla ‘to bust militant hideouts’.
Meanwhile, MA Stadium Jammu, the main venue for the Republic Day function, has been sealed and security is being reviewed and enhanced on daily basis.
Sources added that heavy deployment of policemen is being made at MA Stadium, Raghunath Temple, railway station, bus stand, Bahu Fort, Airport and at other vital areas.
Police officials admitted there has been an unprecedented security cover for this year’s Republic Day.
“Police is always alert on importantly events but this time the due to recent Pathankot attack, the alarm has been sounded to all states, particularly border towns, Director General of Police, K. Rajendra Kumar, told Greater Kashmir.
He added that overall internal security mechanism has been strengthened by J&K police.
“We increased activity and presence of our men across the state, made extra deployment in important towns and venues,” he said.
Pertinently, today in the wee hours a suspected intruder was shot dead by BSF along the Indo-Pak border in Bamiyal area of Pathankot, bordering with Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The forces along Punjab border are already on high alert following the January 2 attack on Pathankot Air Force base.
Officials said the Border Security Force team deployed along the International Border (IB) saw a group of three persons near the border.
“In order to thwart a bid to breach the border, the troops fired and shot dead one of them,” they said.
