Security forces raise guard to ensure peaceful festivities

Srinagar, Nov 6: To ensure peaceful Diwali celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have beefed up the security with Special Operations Group (SOG) and other security forces personnel maintaining heightened vigil at important locations, highways and sensitive points.
An official said that tight security arrangements have been put in place at Udhampur, Jammu, Srinagar, Qazigund, Kautha, Samba and other parts of the Union Territory.
He said special checkpoints and nakas stand established at important junctions, entry and exit points and other vulnerable locations, while patrolling has also been intensified to keep a close watch on suspicious movement.
SOG personnel are maintaining vigil and monitoring the movement of vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) as part of the beefed up security arrangements ahead of the festival.
The official said vehicles are being stopped at designated nakas for checking, while frisking of commuters and verification of documents are being carried out wherever required. Security personnel are also keeping a close watch on vehicles and individuals moving through sensitive stretches.
He said additional deployment has been made at important locations, with security agencies coordinating with one another to strengthen surveillance and ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the festive period.
Patrolling teams have also been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, particularly around crowded places, major roads, markets and other locations witnessing increased public movement during the festival, the official said, adding that the arrangements are part of routine security measures undertaken during important festivals to maintain law and order and prevent any attempt to disturb peace.
Security personnel have also been keeping watch over highway movement and other strategic locations, while checking and surveillance measures have been strengthened in different districts.
The security arrangements come ahead of Diwali, when markets and public places generally witness increased movement of people. (KNO)