Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 15
Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir passed without incident on Saturday with a multi-layered security operation that placed major venues, roads, and sensitive areas under close surveillance, officials said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the main J&K-level ceremony at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where large crowds watched a ceremonial parade and cultural performances. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary presided over the main celebrations in Jammu.
Security agencies had begun preparations several days before the celebrations, deploying sharpshooters from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force on high-rise buildings overlooking Bakshi Stadium and other strategic locations.
Police and security forces also used drones, closed-circuit television networks and facial-recognition systems to monitor stadiums, approach routes and other sensitive areas. Quick Response Teams, anti-sabotage units, bomb-disposal squads and sniffer-dog teams remained on standby.
Authorities intensified random checks and frisking of vehicles and pedestrians, night patrols and naka checking across Srinagar and other districts. Intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations were also conducted in vulnerable areas.
Security was reinforced along the Line of Control, including the Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors, as well as along the International Border. Forces increased area domination and patrolling and deployed modern surveillance equipment, including drones capable of operating at night.
Highways, entry and exit points and key installations were also placed under heightened surveillance.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, who had chaired security reviews and visited several areas before the celebrations, directed officers to ensure what he described as foolproof security, close coordination between agencies, intensified night patrolling, access controls and anti-sabotage measures.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V.K. Birdi said the security plan extended beyond individual venues to Srinagar city and all districts of Kashmir.
“August 15 is the people’s function,” Birdi said, adding that the responsibility of police and security agencies was to secure the celebrations and allow people to participate freely.
A senior police officer involved in security arrangements in Srinagar said authorities had established a multilayered security grid throughout the city, with particular attention to Bakshi Stadium and other sensitive locations.
“Random checking and frisking are being conducted round the clock. Drones are being extensively used for real-time surveillance of the stadium complex and adjoining areas,” the officer said.
Despite the extensive security presence, thousands of people attended celebrations across Kashmir.
At Bakshi Stadium, the stands filled early in the morning as parade contingents from the J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NCC, Fire and Emergency Services and schools marched past the chief guest. Cultural programmes featuring patriotic songs and performances followed. The BSF contingent won first place in the parade.
Entry to the stadium was free, and mobile and internet services remained operational, contributing to an atmosphere that officials and visitors described as festive rather than restrictive.
Elsewhere, celebrations were held at district and sub-divisional headquarters. Hundreds of tourists gathered around the Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, while Keran Valley near the LoC witnessed midnight Independence Day celebrations featuring fireworks and patriotic slogans.
“This is my first time visiting Kashmir. We have been here for seven days and came to Lal Chowk especially for Independence Day,” said Mumbai tourist Netra Gurjar. “Looking at the crowd and the atmosphere, it feels completely safe and energetic.”
Ahmedabad visitor Suraj Bhatt, on his fourth trip to the Valley, said the large gathering at Lal Chowk had created an energetic atmosphere.
For some local residents, the public turnout carried a broader significance.
“Seeing so many people – families with children, young and elders – sitting freely and cheering the parade is a big change from the past,” Srinagar resident Muhammad Yousuf said.
A group of women attending with their children also said the arrangements and security presence had made them feel safe.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who attended the Bakshi Stadium function, highlighted the singing of Vande Mataram, calling it a significant moment.
The combination of heavy security and unrestricted public participation marked a contrast with periods in Kashmir’s past when Independence Day was accompanied by deserted streets, extensive restrictions and limited public movement.
