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“Even if there are no specific inputs about militants trying to disrupt the Republic Day function, we continue to receive generic inputs around this time of the year,” explained a police official. “We don't want to leave anything to chance.” (PTI Photo)
A multi-tier security grid, including heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces and aerial surveillance through drones, has been put in place across the Kashmir Valley for Republic Day.
Police said that Bakshi Stadium, the venue for the main Republic Day function in Srinagar, will be open to all, and anyone who wishes to participate in the event is welcome.
“I may convey that we have multilayer security arrangements, where the Jammu and Kashmir Police, its security wing and the central armed paramilitary forces are involved in making security arrangements for the venue,” said Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi. “Similar kinds of strict security arrangements are also made (in other districts).”
Police officials said that while the checking of vehicles and frisking have been intensified, a multi-tier security system has been put in place in and around the Bakshi Stadium and other key installations in Srinagar city.
“Even if there are no specific inputs about militants trying to disrupt the Republic Day function, we continue to receive generic inputs around this time of the year,” explained a police official. “We don’t want to leave anything to chance.”
IGP Birdi said that while police and paramilitary officials had a full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day function, security personnel also rehearsed the security arrangements.
“Today, we had a full-dress rehearsal not only for the main event, but security arrangements were also rehearsed today,” he said.
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Police, paramilitary forces, and the Army have intensified sudden cordon-and-search operations across the Valley, especially during evening and night hours. “Each unit from different security agencies is involved,” said the official. “These are area domination techniques aimed at keeping the anti-national elements at bay.”
“It is an open kind of invitation, and everyone is free to come,” IGP Birdi said about Bakshi Stadium. “I want to convey to everyone, the common people, that they are very warmly welcomed here so that they can join these celebrations along with their families, especially warm invitations to small school-going kids.”
Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More
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