Ahead of I-day, security fortified in Valley

SRINAGAR: Ahead of Independence Day, security has been fortified in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.new checkpoints and nakas have been setup in the city and rural districts, especially around venues where Independence Day parades will take place on Saturday (August 15). In Srinagar city, human and technical surveillance has been enhanced to prevent militant strikes.

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha will take the salute at the parade at SK Stadium. The area has been sealed. Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were seen frisking pedestrians and checking private vehicles close to the venue. Officials said drones will be used to aid surveillance.

Bulletproof bunker vehicles have been strategically placed at several sensitive locations around the city and on routes leading to Srinagar, especially on the national highway.

Soldiers on patrol duty have been asked to remain vigilant as there is a possibility of a militant strike on the Independence Day. However, despite high alert, militants managed to strike the Nowgam Bypass, killing two policemen and injuring another cop.

Inspector general of police Vijay Kumar said that like every Independence Day and Republic Day intelligence agencies had received inputs about the attacks. “We had received tip-offs about today (August 14) so policemen were on high alert,” Kumar said.

Officials said additional troopers will be deployed in the city on Independence Day to keep militants at bay.