On the eve of Republic Day, security has been tightened across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with forces carrying out extensive area-domination exercises and sanitisation operations over the last few days.
Officials told The International Business Times that a multi-tier security grid, including heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces and aerial surveillance through drones, has been put in place across Jammu and Kashmir for Republic Day.
Authorities have already issued a public advisory for attending the Republic Day functions on January 26 at the MA Stadium in Jammu and Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and all other districts across the Union Territory.
A public notice issued by the Security Department stated that a large number of people are expected to attend the Republic Day function on January 26, to facilitate their entry into the MA Stadium, Jammu, and to ensure the security of the general public, Security Jammu seeks the cooperation of the people.
Police urged the public not to carry cell phone cameras, arms/ammunition, sharp-edged weapons, handbags, polythene bags, transistors, toys, tools, stopwatches, any kind of powder, inflammable material like cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, cameras, and the like, or objectionable items.
Authorities appealed to the people to extend full cooperation to the frisking/checking teams deployed at different gates, which is in fact, meant for the safety of the people and the peaceful culmination of the Republic Day function
Security has been beefed up in all 20 districts of the Union Territory, particularly in border areas. Sensitive locations in Kashmir have seen enhanced measures, including road blockades, vehicle checks, security cordons, and search operations. Reports said authorities have deployed additional forces along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). "Senior officers have reviewed security arrangements in sensitive border areas to ensure effective coordination between various agencies," an official added.
To further bolster security, advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and high-resolution CCTV cameras, have been deployed to monitor event venues and surrounding areas. Checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and other district headquarters, particularly at key entry points. Random vehicle checks and frisking operations are being conducted to prevent the movement of subversive elements.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the main Republic Day function at MA Stadium in Jammu and will take the salute, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be the chief guest. Other ministers will oversee Republic Day functions in various districts.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will preside over the Republic Day function in Srinagar and take the salute there.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, said that multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place across the Valley for Republic Day celebrations.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Republic Day rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium, Birdi said the security setup involves the J&K Police, its security wing, and central paramilitary forces to ensure the smooth conduct of events across the Valley.
He said elaborate arrangements have been made not only for the main Republic Day function in Srinagar but also for similar celebrations scheduled to be held in all districts of the Valley.
The IGP said separate Republic Day functions will be organised in respective districts, where chief guests will take the salute, adding that similar strict security measures have been implemented for those events as well.
IGP Birdi extended an open invitation to the public to participate in the celebrations along with their families. "I want to convey to the common people that they are very warmly welcomed to join these celebrations with their families," he said, adding that special encouragement is being extended to school-going children to attend the events.
Responding to a query about whether any specific invitations are required, the IGP said the celebrations are open to all. "It is an open kind of invitation. Everyone is free to come," he said.
Furthermore, security forces along the Line of Control and the International Border have been placed on high alert to prevent infiltration and ceasefire violations.
Officials said heightened surveillance has been enforced in key frontier areas, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah, Tangdhar, and sectors in the Jammu region, while the Border Security Force has intensified round-the-clock patrolling and digital monitoring along the International Border.
