Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 11
Security forces have intensified surveillance, vehicle checks and area searches across Srinagar and parts of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with particular focus on the main venue at Bakshi Stadium, officials said.
Multiple layers of security have been deployed around the stadium, with drones, CCTV systems and personnel monitoring the venue and surrounding areas.
Approach roads have been placed under tighter control, with checkpoints conducting vehicle and pedestrian checks.
Security personnel have also increased night patrols and surveillance at key entry and exit points of the city.
A senior police officer said the security grid had been strengthened in response to the prevailing security situation.
Security forces have also conducted cordon-and-search operations in parts of Srinagar based on intelligence inputs, officials said.
Additional police and central armed police contingents have been deployed at strategic locations, while passenger checks have been increased at bus stands, taxi stands and other public places.
Security has also been tightened in the Pir Panjal districts of Rajouri and Poonch, where the Army, J&K Police and central forces have stepped up deployments.
Areas along the Line of Control are under enhanced surveillance, particularly routes considered vulnerable to infiltration. Forces have also increased area domination in sensitive hinterland locations and minority-populated areas.
The Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway has been placed under closer surveillance, with regular patrols and checks being conducted along the corridor.
The heightened security measures come as anti-militancy operations continue in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts.
Security forces on Tuesday also launched a search operation in Bhata Dhurian and neighbouring villages in Mendhar, Poonch, after a private security guard at an under-construction highway tunnel reported suspicious movement.
The guard fired four shots after noticing what he believed were two or three people moving in the area on Monday night and raised an alarm.
Police and Army quick-reaction teams responded and cordoned off the area, officials said.
Searches continued through Tuesday as security forces remained on heightened alert in the Mendhar area following reports of suspected militant presence.
