Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 11
Investigations into recent militant attacks in south Kashmir are continuing, and police will disclose details when they can do so, Kashmir’s Inspector General of Police V K Birdi said on Tuesday.
“It is a matter of investigation,” Birdi told reporters during a visit to the Balidan Stambh at Lal Chowk to review preparations for Independence Day.
He said it would be inappropriate to discuss details while the investigations were underway.
Security has been strengthened across Srinagar and the rest of Kashmir ahead of August 15, with authorities deploying multiple layers of security not only around official venues but throughout the city and districts of the Valley.
The measures include intensified frisking and vehicle checks, night patrols, surveillance and area-domination exercises, particularly in sensitive locations.
The heightened security follows recent militant violence in south Kashmir, including the killing of a J&K Police head constable in Anantnag and the subsequent killing of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam.
Birdi said preparations for the main Independence Day ceremony at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium were under way, including full-dress rehearsals.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to unfurl the national flag and take the salute at the Srinagar ceremony.
A day earlier, Birdi chaired a security review meeting at the Police Control Room in Kashmir attended by senior officers from the J&K Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, RPF, CID and Traffic Police, as well as range-level and district police officials.
District police chiefs briefed the meeting on preparations in their respective areas.
Birdi directed officers to strengthen security around venues hosting Independence Day functions and other public events and ordered tighter night-time checkpoints along vulnerable stretches and Srinagar’s entry and exit routes.
He also called for closer coordination among security agencies.
At the same time, Birdi urged residents to participate in Independence Day celebrations, describing the event as one meant for the public.
