Multi-tier arrangements in Valley, checks intensified on Jammu-Srinagar highway
Drones, smart fencing and quick-reaction teams deployed along vulnerable border stretches
Srinagar: With Independence Day celebrations just days away, security agencies have intensified surveillance and checking across Jammu and Kashmir, with a multi-tier security grid deployed in Kashmir, additional security measures introduced in Jammu and heightened vigilance maintained along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi, said on Tuesday that multi-tier security arrangements had been put in place at major Independence Day venues as well as surrounding areas across the Valley.
“Security has been strengthened at key venues across Srinagar city and districts of the Valley,” Birdi told reporters in Srinagar.
He said the security arrangements extended beyond the venues to surrounding areas and the wider city and districts as part of a comprehensive security grid.
Preparations for the main Independence Day function in Srinagar are also underway, with full-dress rehearsals being conducted ahead of August 15.
Birdi appealed to people to participate in the celebrations in large numbers, saying the event was ultimately meant for the public.
“The function is for the people. The police work as an organiser,” he said.
Asked about the investigation into recent terror attacks in south Kashmir and whether investigators had made any breakthrough, Birdi declined to disclose operational details, saying the matter was under investigation.
He said information would be shared with the media at an appropriate stage.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified checking along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other strategic routes as part of preparations for Independence Day.
Security personnel from multiple agencies, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and J&K Police, have been involved in vehicle checking and surveillance.
“We are inspecting vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and advise everyone to alert the police if they observe anything unusual,” a senior police official said.
In Jammu city and other districts, additional personnel have been deployed at vital highways, junctions and other sensitive locations. Authorities have also stepped up checking and surveillance at key entry and exit points to prevent any attempt to disrupt Independence Day events.
Officials said security agencies were maintaining close coordination and sharing intelligence to identify potential threats and respond quickly to any suspicious activity.
Along the LoC, additional surveillance and area-domination measures have been introduced at vulnerable stretches, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar in north Kashmir, besides border areas of the Jammu region.
Troops have intensified patrolling and surveillance, while modern technology is being used to monitor difficult terrain and areas that are difficult to cover through conventional deployment.
Drones and quadcopters equipped with high-resolution cameras and night-vision capabilities are being used for aerial surveillance. Smart fencing and electronic detection systems have also been strengthened at vulnerable points to supplement existing physical barriers and provide early warning of movement.
Along the International Border, BSF personnel have intensified patrolling and electronic surveillance at sensitive locations. Security agencies are also maintaining coordinated monitoring of areas considered vulnerable to infiltration or suspicious movement.
Quick-reaction teams and specialised units have been kept ready for rapid deployment, while bulletproof and all-terrain vehicles are being used to facilitate movement in mountainous and difficult terrain.
Security forces have also been conducting tactical exercises to test their response to possible infiltration attempts and attacks on forward positions.
A recent exercise in the Sunderbani sector involved a simulated infiltration attempt and attack on a fortified position, with troops testing coordination, firepower and response time.
Officials said area domination and surveillance would continue throughout the Independence Day period, particularly in areas close to the LoC and other sensitive locations.
With August 15 approaching, security agencies have consequently expanded the security net from major function venues and urban centres to highways and border areas, while urging citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
