This R-Day, councillors, panchs, sarpanchs to be treated as VIPs

Srinagar, Jan 1: The recently elected councillors, panchs, and sarpanchs would be treated as VIPs during the upcoming R-Day events on January 26 in Kashmir.

The main January 26 event would be held at SK Cricket Stadium Srinagar in view of repairing works at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan, recently reviewed the arrangements for the event and called for tight security arrangements.

“…ensure adequate and fool proof security arrangements in and around the venue. An extensive security plan shall be prepared by police department, encompassing vital areas, movements, and entries,” read the minutes of the meeting Khan led.

“Preparation of list of invitees and delivery thereof shall be made by DC Srinagar. Invitees shall include VVIP and VIPs including panchs, sarpanchs, councilors etc,” it added.

Manager SK Stadium has been directed to set up pavilion-wise seating arrangements as per the warrant of precedence.

SSP security has been directed to ensure arrangement of bullet proof kiosk for VIPs along with dais.

The elections for 79 urban local bodies were held in the latter half of 2018 during which 1145 councillors were elected.

Soon after, elections were conducted for 4483 Panchayats with a Sarpanch for each Panchayat Halqa and 35029 Panchs.

An official at DC Srinagar office said that councilors, panchs, and sarpanchs from Srinagar would be invited to attend the celebrations at SK Cricket Stadium here while others would attend similar functions in their respective districts.

“These all fall in the VIP category,” the official said.

The police department has been directed to make a “comprehensive” security plan.

The official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Dal Gate, and Sonawar area.

“The security agencies will take extra measures this time in view of recent militant attacks,” the official said.

The official said that the road from Radio Kashmir to Sonawar may remain closed for few days before the January 26 event.

“It will be a more challenging job for the security agencies as the venue falls near business hub Lal Chowk. The police department has been directed to make a comprehensive security plan,” the official added.