Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 13: The main Independence Day function of Jammu and Kashmir would be held at a refurbished Bakshi Stadium after a gap of five years with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to preside over the function.
“The function is being held here so that more and more people can come to participate. Adequate arrangements have been made for it. There are no restrictions, there is no need for a pass to enter the stadium,” Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, V K Bidhuri said after a full-dress rehearsal of the Independence Day function.
Bakshi Stadium has hosted the main Independence Day function of Jammu and Kashmir over the decades but had to be closed in 2018 for upgradation and renovations. Independence Day parades over the past five years were held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonawar.
A full dress rehearsal was held at the Bakshi Stadium where Bidhuri took the salute at the march past. Contingents of police, security forces and school children took part in the parade.
After the parade, artists and school kids performed at a cultural programme highlighting the diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Security has been beefed up around the venue for the Independence Day function here with security personnel deployed in strength. The roads around Bakshi Stadium were kept off limits for traffic during the course of the dress rehearsal.
Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, security forces have been put on high alert in Kashmir to ensure the safety and security of the people.
The heightened security measures are also being implemented as a precautionary step to prevent any untoward incidents or threats during this significant national event.
Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar Sector, Ajay Kumar Yadav said that the security arrangements have been put in place. “All preparations are complete. Force is alert on the field and we are ready to tackle any situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Special Operation Unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF have intensified their surveillance and patrolling activities. Checkpoints and barricades have been set up at strategic locations to monitor the movement of people and vehicles.
Moreover, all security agencies are also closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order. Intelligence agencies are working in coordination with the local administration to gather and analyse intelligence inputs to thwart any potential security threats.
Additional precautionary measures, such as the deployment of additional security personnel and enhanced coordination among security agencies, have also been put into place.
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