JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Security has been stepped up across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Republic Day especially in view of the Pathankot terror attack and reported threat by the Islamic State.
Police personnel have been deployed in strength in the Jammu and Srinagar city, particularly around Bakshi Stadium — the venue for the main Republic Day parade in the Valley, to thwart any attempts by the militants to strike ahead of the celebrations on Tuesday.
“Additional security force personnel have been deployed in the city and at entry points to the summer capital of the State to thwart any plans of militants to carry out subversive activities ahead of the Republic Day celebrations,” a police official said.
Police has set up barricades at several places inside the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and surrounding areas also to carry out random searches of vehicles entering the city, the official said.
Armed personnel and cops in civvies have been deployed around the Republic Day function venues throughout the state to keep an eye on any suspicious persons, he said.
Similar security arrangements have been put in place in all district headquarters of the State for ensuring peaceful and smooth celebrations, the official said.
An intelligence official said there were no specific inputs about militants planning to carry out any attacks on the eve of the Republic Day but the security forces have been put on an alert in view of the recent incidents like Pathankot attack.
The official said the recent reported threat by Islamic State related to Kashmir, was also a reason for extra security measures taken by the security grid.
Meanwhile, in the absence of an elected government, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir will preside over the Republic Day function at the Bakshi Stadium for second consecutive year.
While the State was under Governor’s Rule last year as PDP and BJP were thrashing out the ‘Agenda of Alliance’, the State was brought under direct central rule after the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on 7th January.