Security beefed up across J&K ahead of Independence Day

Srinagar, Aug 10: Security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Independence Day, with security forces stepping up frisking, vehicle checking and surveillance in Srinagar and other areas of the Union Territory.
According to reports, security personnel have increased their presence at several locations and are conducting checks of vehicles and their occupants as part of preventive measures ahead of August 15 celebrations.
In Srinagar, security forces were seen conducting frisking and vehicle checks at multiple points, particularly along busy roads, commercial areas and other important locations. Personnel were also keeping a close watch on the movement of people and vehicles as part of the heightened security arrangements.
Similar measures have been put in place in other parts of the Valley, including Baramulla, Kupwara, Kulgam and Anantnag, where security personnel have intensified checking and surveillance at key entry and exit points.
Security has also been strengthened in Jammu region, including Jammu city, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch, with additional checking of vehicles and increased deployment of personnel at vulnerable and strategically important locations.
Authorities have also stepped up security along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Security personnel are maintaining heightened vigilance along the highway and at important points to monitor vehicular movement and prevent any untoward incident.
Enhanced security measures have been put in place in areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, particularly in sensitive sectors.
In north Kashmir, heightened vigilance has been maintained in areas including Uri, Keran, Tangdar and Gurez, with security forces keeping a close watch on movement and conducting checks at important locations.
In the Jammu region, security has been intensified in the Krishna Ghati (KG) sector and Poonch, as well as areas close to the International Border, including Kautha and other sensitive stretches.
Security forces have also increased surveillance in border villages and along important routes leading towards frontier areas as part of the overall security arrangements ahead of Independence Day.
The measures are aimed at maintaining a high level of alertness and ensuring smooth and peaceful Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials have maintained that preventive security measures, including intensified checking, frisking and surveillance, are being undertaken as part of the routine arrangements ahead of the national event.
Security personnel have urged commuters and motorists to cooperate with checking teams, with authorities maintaining that the heightened presence is intended to ensure safety and security during the Independence Day celebrations.
The security arrangements are expected to remain in place in the run-up to August 15, with forces maintaining enhanced vigil across urban centres, highways, border areas and other strategically important locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi reviewed security arrangements for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across Kashmir, directing officers to strengthen checkpoints, patrolling and area domination in vulnerable areas.
IGP Birdi chaired a security review meeting at Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir, which was attended by senior officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, RPF, CID, traffic police and other security agencies.
During the meeting, senior officers briefed the IGP on the arrangements put in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day celebrations across all districts of the Valley.
District Superintendents of Police also briefed the meeting about preparations and security arrangements in their respective districts.
IGP Birdi directed the officers to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed well in advance and assigned specific responsibilities for various events planned across the Valley, including rallies.
The IGP also reviewed security arrangements for the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and directed officers concerned to further strengthen security measures and ensure comprehensive arrangements at the venue.
He directed officers to strengthen security checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along entry and exit routes of Srinagar city.
The IGP also called for intensified area domination and patrolling, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas, to maintain a robust security presence and ensure effective surveillance.
He stressed the need for strict vigilance against elements inimical to peace and security and called for enhanced alertness across all jurisdictions.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including IG BSF Frontier Headquarters Kashmir, IG CRPF Kashmir Operations Sector, IG CRPF Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir and district SSPs.
Senior officers from the Army, including Col GS (IS), 15 Corps, besides officials from the Security Wing, CID, Armed Police, SDRF, Railway Police, traffic police and other agencies also participated in the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to heightened vigilance, enhanced inter-agency coordination and effective implementation of security protocols to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Valley. (KNO)