Jammu and Kashmir has been put on a high alert and extra security has been deployed in sensitive towns and cities following intelligence inputs that terrorists may strike in a big way on Republic Day on Friday.
The security has been tightened, particularly in Srinagar and Jammu, where the main functions will be held. Guard has also been upped near Army camps, vital installations and highways. Separatists have given a call for a shutdown and protests for Friday. Reviewing the security, Director General of Police SP Vaid said all necessary arrangements were in place and the Republic Day functions across the state would pass off smoothly. The main function will be held at MAM Stadium in Jammu where Governor NN Vohra will unfurl the Tricolour. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other dignitaries are also expected to attend the event. The stadium and its surrounding areas have been sealed, with security personnel present in almost every yard of the area. Police sources said specially trained teams had been deployed at sensitive places to foil any fidayeen attack, regarding which intelligence inputs have been received. These teams are equipped with special rifles to detect and target the terrorists.
To maintain security, the police have requested all schools in Jammu district not to allow any stranger on the school premises and take precautionary steps for students.In an advisory, the police have requested the public to stay alert.
Mobile internet services have been snapped in Kashmir as a precautionary measure on the occasion of the Republic Day, officials said today.
The internet services on mobile phones and data cards were suspended yesterday as part of the security drill of the Republic Day.
Although, it’s a normal practice in Kashmir to suspend the internet services on the Republic Day and Independence Day, this is the first time that these services were withdrawn a day earlier.
Security forces have been deployed in strength at strategic locations in the city.
The law enforcing agencies are carrying out random frisking and searches of vehicles entering the city.
This year the main Republic Day function will be held at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium instead of the regular venue — Bakshi Stadium.
The area around the cricket stadium was sealed on Wednesday for full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day Parade.
Traffic police has issued an advisory for movement of vehicles between the city centre and south Kashmir and no vehicle will be permitted to move along the Ram Munshi Bagh- TRC stretch of the road during the rehearsal and Republic Day function.
