Srinagar: Ahead of the Republic Day festivities, multi-layered security protocols have been implemented across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the safety of the flag-hoisting ceremonies and official parades. The main events will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and Maulana Azad Memorial (MAM) Stadium in Jammu, both of which have been secured by heavy security forces.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be the chief guest at the MAM Stadium, where Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha will raise the national flag, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will do the honors in Srinagar.
In Srinagar, tight security measures have been placed around key venues, including barricades and checkpoints, particularly at R.S. Pura, where vehicles are being thoroughly checked. A three-tier security ring, CCTV cameras, and an anti-sabotage system have been installed to enhance monitoring, along with the use of drones to detect any suspicious activity. Sharpshooters are stationed in high-rise buildings around the stadiums to ensure heightened vigilance.
Both major stadiums will have electronic entry control devices, human monitoring, and drone surveillance for aerial observation. While the events are open to the public, entry will be strictly controlled, with surprise vehicle checks and passenger frisking in place to regulate access to Srinagar city.
Police officers in plainclothes are actively monitoring for suspicious activities, and significant focus is placed on maintaining peace and preventing infiltration near the borders. Security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), are stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) to secure the region.
The divisional commissioner for Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, highlighted that security measures are more robust this year, particularly due to the large number of attendees expected at the Bakshi Stadium event.
In addition to the main flag-hoisting ceremonies, divisional and district-level cultural events will be organized to celebrate Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural diversity. Local leaders, including district development council heads and ministers, will oversee the flag-hoisting ceremonies and parades in other district headquarters.
The overall security arrangements aim to provide a peaceful and safe environment for the Republic Day celebrations, ensuring that the region’s multicultural, multilingual, and multireligious harmony is showcased.
