Intense security measures in place across Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 14: Security arrangement across the city and in other districts of Kashmir was intensified ahead of August 15.

Considering the recent appearance of militants at Batamaloo here, the police, on high alert, has set up checkpoints at multiple spots in the city.

At Lal Chowk, Jahangir Chowk, Rambagh, Zero Bridge, and Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), the deployment of the forces has been noticeable.

The forces stopped and frisked most vehicles crossing the checkpoints.

In Batamaloo, a number of cops were seen stopping vehicles near Pinchi Mandi and verifying identity of the commuters.

The SK Cricket Stadium here, the venue of the main function in the state, has turned into a virtual fortress, while all roads leading to have been blocked.

The venue is being watched over with the help of CCTV cameras, electronic access control equipment, drones, sniffer dogs, and sharp shooters.

Governor N N Vohra will take the salute at the parade and unfurl the tricolour.

It is for the first time that August-15 function is not going to be celebrated at the Bakshi Stadium, which is being repaired.

Governor administration has ordered all provincial and state-level officers to attend the parade.

Senior officers of the Srinagar district administration too have been asked to be present.

The force presence at various points in downtown and uptowns has also been increased to keep a vigil on the roads leading to the venue for the function.

Inspector General of Police S P Pani told The Kashmir Monitor that they have “taken all the security precautions and arrangement to ensure peace on August 15”.

He said some of the roads leading to the main venue in Srinagar will be closed for a few hours.

“We have kept an option for diversion for the conveniences of people,” Pani said.

The IGP said the deployment of forces in the volatile old city will be decided as per the situation.

Police said the security arrangements have been also followed in other districts of the valley to thwart any militant attack.

A police official said the forces will be deployed at various spots on the Srinagar-Jammu highway throughout the valley “to check any suspicious movement”.

He said a high security presence has been already established around the venues in the districts in north, south and central Kashmir.

In north Kashmir, forces have installed mobile check-posts on Uri, Srinagar, Kupwara, Sopore, and Bandipora roads for the past few days and checking all private and state-run vehicles.

The official said in south Kashmir, the venues like schools, colleges and district complexes are being guarded by police and CRPF personnel jointly.

Meanwhile, the Amarnath Yatra will continue to remain suspended on Wednesday.

“No pilgrim was allowed to proceed towards the Kashmir Valley from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, police said.

The pilgrimage from the two base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, however, would continue towards the Cave Shrine during these three days, a police officer said.