Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 14
Jammu and Kashmir has deployed a multi-layered security apparatus across the region for Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, with drones, sharpshooters, anti-sabotage teams and additional checkpoints put in place to guard major venues and prevent any disruption.
Independence Day functions will be held in Srinagar, Jammu and at district, block, sub-district, tehsil, panchayat, government and educational institutions across the Union Territory.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will preside over the main function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will lead celebrations at MA Stadium in Jammu. Cabinet ministers and legislators will attend functions in their respective districts.
Officials said the security arrangements had been finalised after detailed assessments of potential threats, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance because of the region’s sensitive security environment.
Senior police officials said drones would provide continuous surveillance over sensitive areas, approach roads and the perimeters of the main venues.
“All security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the Independence Day functions. The areas where the chief guests will address the gatherings have been thoroughly sanitised,” senior police officials said.
Sharpshooters from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed on high-rise buildings overlooking the main venues in Srinagar and Jammu, officials said.
Security personnel have also intensified frisking at entry points and vehicle checks on roads leading to the venues. Quick Response Teams and anti-sabotage units have been deployed, while CCTV cameras and facial-recognition systems are being used to monitor crowds and movements in real time.
Anti-drone systems and bomb-disposal squads have been placed on standby.
Traffic restrictions and diversions have been introduced around major venues in Srinagar and Jammu to facilitate the movement of participants, VIPs and security personnel and prevent congestion.
The security deployment involves the J&K Police, CRPF and other Central Armed Police Forces. Area-domination exercises have been intensified around stadiums and other sensitive locations, while additional checkpoints, mobile patrols and foot patrols have been deployed on major roads and in surrounding areas.
Authorities have also carried out repeated anti-sabotage inspections of venues, including checks of public-address systems, temporary structures and other equipment.
Medical teams and ambulances have been stationed at major venues, while fire tenders and disaster-response teams remain on standby.
Security has also been strengthened in rural and hinterland areas to protect flag-hoisting ceremonies at panchayat and institutional levels.
Senior officers have been reviewing arrangements with district administrations, officials said, adding that the combination of manpower, surveillance technology and area domination was aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.
