Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 24: Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V K Birdi, on Friday said that multi-tier security arrangements, including drones and spotters, have been put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the Republic-Day functions in the Valley.
IGP Birdi, who attended the full-dress rehearsal of Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium here while talking to the reporters said, “Proper and secure arrangements have been made for those who want to participate in the function.”
IGP Birdi, said that multi-tier security arrangements are in place and surveillance is being maintained to ensure that function passes off peacefully. “Surveillance in the form of drones or spotters and very deep and intricate security arrangements have been made,” he said.
The IGP Kashmir appealed to people to participate in the January 26 programmes in large numbers.
He said surveillance is also being maintained on “bad elements”, including surrendered militants. “Police have their own SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). There is a way to keep surveillance on bad elements and we are undertaking these actions as per the law,” he said.
Replying to a query on allegations of some big fishes involved in the narcotics trade escaping the clutches of the law, Birdi said while these are a subject matter of investigations, habitual offenders cannot escape the law and action will be taken against them.
Meanwhile, the full-dress rehearsal was also attended by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, V K Bidhuri.
“This is a festival of the people and we want more and more people to participate in it. We chose the Bakshi Stadium as the venue so that people can come in large numbers,” Bidhuri told reporters.
He said the arrangements this year are better than last year. “I request the people to come in large numbers. Just have an I-card along with you and there is no need for a special pass etc. Anyone can come to attend the functions,” he added.
