Security stepped up at man venue of I-Day function in Srinagar
IGP says hunt for terrorists in Kulgam in final stages
Srinagar: A tight security blanket has been thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Independence Day function in Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure incident-free celebrations in the valley.
A full dress rehearsal of the parade was held here on Wednesday at the Bakshi Stadium where Divisional Commissioner V K Bhiduri took the salute at the march past.
“We have made multi-tier security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations. High rise spotters have been deployed to maintain vigil,” Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V K Birdi told reporters here after the full dress rehearsal.
He said all the possibilities have been taken into consideration while drafting the security plan to ensure peaceful independence day.
After today’s parade at the stadium, artists and school kids performed at a cultural programme highlighting the diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Contingents of police, security forces and school children took part in the full dress rehearsal parade.
Meanwhile, the IGP said that the hunt for terrorists hiding in the forest area of Kulgam district has entered its final stages.
Two Army soldiers have been killed and nine injured since the operation began on August 1 in the Akhal forest area.
Two terrorists have also been killed in the encounter. The identities and group affiliation of the slain terrorists have not been revealed so far.
“The Akhal operation has entered the final stages,” Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi, told reporters on the sidelines of the full dress rehearsal for the Independence Day celebrations at the Bakshi Stadium here.
He said the details of the operation will be shared in due course of time.
This is the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.
Birdi said the full dress rehearsal and security drill ahead of Independence Day were concluded successfully.
“The main programme takes place in Srinagar city, where VVIP takes salute. For that, Srinagar police has made multi-tier arrangements along with CAPFs. High-rise spotters are also in place and proper security arrangements have been made,” the officer said.
