Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to celebrate the 77th Independence Day tomorrow (Tuesday) amid multi-level security cover, drone surveillance and aerial monitoring of the main venue in Srinagar—Bakshi Stadium—through Heptors.
The main venue has been handed over to the security forces especially police and the CRPF while for the first time common people will be allowed to participate in the main parade after proper security check. Official sources said that stringent security measures have been put in place for the smooth conduct of I-Day functions including the main function that will be held in Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar after a long gap. They said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will unfurl the tri-colour in at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar and also address the I-Day gathering as well.
Official sources said that Bakshi Stadium is the better venue that SK Stadium Sonwar as it has proper parking facility and seating arrangements to accommodate thousands of people. Eye-witnesses said that police and CRPF have intensified frisking across Srinagar at various points and special nakas have been set up to keep the anti-peace elements at the bay.
Witnesses said that frisking were conducted at Hari Singh High Street, Polo View, Dalgate, Sonwar, Pantha Chowk, Rambagh and many other areas of the city. “People especially those driving two-wheelers were stopped and thoroughly frisked,” a commuter said.
A police official said that all security agencies are on alert and a thick blanket of security has been ensured for the smooth conduct of the I-Day function in Srinagar and elsewhere in the UT. “We are using and technical intelligence to thwart any possible attacks by terrorists. As far the inputs, we believe large number of people want to attend the I-Day celebrations in Srinagar,” he said, adding that security forces have been directed to facilitate the entry of common people.
In Jammu, main I-Day parade will be held at Moulana Azad Stadium where LG’s Advisor RR Bhatnagar will unfurl tri-colour and address the gathering. “Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of I-Day function,” a police official said, adding that checking points have been established at various locations in the city.
Recently, J&K police Chief Dilbagh Singh had said that all arrangements were in place for the I-Day celebrations in J&K. He had stated that there were inputs that large number of people want to attend the function and for that arrangements have been made as well.
On the preparations of I-Day, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar told reporters recently that three-tier security grid was in place for the smooth conduct of all official functions. He stated that drone surveillance was also part of the security measures while as Heptors were being used for the aerial monitoring of the main venue—Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
