Ahead of Jan 26: Govt directs security agencies to ensure fool proof security

Srinagar, Jan 10:In view of recent attacks, the Jammu and Kashmir government has directed security agencies to ensure fool proof security for the Republic day celebrations on 26 January.
Sources said that the government’s home department in its communication has stressed security agencies for maintaining alertness in sensitive areas. “Keeping in view the present security scenario in the state and continues threats from militants, tight security arrangements should be made across the state for the Republic day celebrations,” the communication has said.
One of the top police officials said that security has already been stepped up across the state and checkpoints set up at various localities to keep a tab on any anti-national activity.
“A comprehensive security grid and deployment mechanism for conduct of celebrations would be formulated in the coming days,” the officer said wishing not to be named.
Meanwhile sources said that the Security agencies are strengthening the security in Srinagar city in view of change in venue from Bakshi Stadium to SK Cricket Stadium Sonawar, which falls near heart of Srinagar city.
Officials sai that it is for the first time when main Republic Day celebrations would be held at Srinagar’s cricket ground instead at Bakshi Stadium.
In view of change in venue, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has also directed the police department and other security agencies to ensure “adequate and fool proof security” arrangements in and around the venue.
The official said that venue has been shifted in view of ongoing construction works going at Bakhsi Stadium. “There will fool-proof security arrangements in and around the venue and along the roads leading to the stadium,” he said.
The official said that road from Radio Kashmir to Sonawar road may remain closed for few days before the January 26. “This will be more a challenging job for the security agencies as the venue falls near business hub Lal Chowk. The police department has been directed to make a comprehensive security plan,” the official said.
The DIG Armed has been directed to coordinate the preparation and supervise of the parade. While SSP Security has been directed to ensure “adequate” security on all fronts. Authorities have also decided to stop the entry to ground B after January 15.
“In Srinagar security should be tightened more than before owing to change of venue this time around,” an official privy to the meeting quoting senior officers having said in a recent meeting. The police department has been directed to make a “comprehensive” security plan.
A police official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Dal Gate, and Sonawar area. “The security agencies will take extra measures this time in view change in venue and recent fidayeen attack on a CRPF camp,” the police official said.
The Director School Education Kashmir has been directed to ensure participation of contingents of educational institutions including private schools in the main function.
Sources said that it has been decided to utilize three Pawan Hans helicopters for flower showing and to keep surveillance on the venue. “Government has also directed for supply of water, power, Medicare, parking, transportation, sanitation, seating, and heating public address system, and fire fighting measures,” sources maintained.