Security beefed up in J&K ahead of Independence Day

Security forces have been put on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir Valley, ahead of Independence Day to thwart militants' attempts to disrupt official functions and celebrations on August 15.

"All usual security precautions and arrangements have been put in place," S.P. Vaid, Director General of Police (DGP), said here on Monday.

"In addition, we are taking sufficient extra steps to ensure that everything passes off peacefully on August 15," he said.

Tensions rise high in Jammu and Kashmir around the country's Independence Day as militants have made attempts during the last 30 years to attract national and international attention by carrying out attacks around August 15.

Ahead of the main Independence Day function, the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, the venue of the main function in the state, has been taken over by the security forces.

A full dress rehearsal of the parade was held at the venue on Monday.

All roads leading to the venue have been blocked by cross parking of security force vehicles and coils of concertina wire.

CCTV cameras, electronic access control equipment, drones, sniffer dogs, sharp shooters pitched on top of high rise buildings overlooking the venue, are some of the arrangements in addition to heavy deployment of manpower, bullet proof bunkers and surveillance squads posted around the stadium.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra will take the salute at the parade and unfurl the national flag.

Cultural programmes by school children and other activities will follow the parade on August 15.

The state government headed by Vohra has issued orders to all provincial and state level officers to attend the parade in addition to the senior officers of the Srinagar district administration.

Separatists have called for a protest shutdown to attract international attention towards what they call the unresolved Kashmir dispute.

--IANS

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