SRINAGAR: In view of the high degree of threat perception, security forces have intensified night and foot patrolling in the Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar, where naka checkings have been set up to foil any militant attempt to cause disturbance during Republic Day (RD) functions.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police has sought cooperation from general public for conducting the RD functions peacefully in south Kashmir, where security forces have put up nakas and took measures to foil any militant to cause disturbance.
However, for the first time the venue of the main RD function has been changed from Bakshi Stadium, where renovation and repair work was going on, to S K International Cricket Stadium at high security Sonawar.
A senior paramilitary force officer said that this time there is a high degree of threat perception. However, he said, security forces and state police personnel are ready to face any challenge and foil any militant attempt to cause disturbance.
We have already intensified security arrangements across the Kashmir valley, particularly in Srinagar, to ensure peaceful conduct of RD functions, he said.
Though there is no information about any specific target of militants, but this time due to high degree of threat perception, we have alerted all field commanders, he said.
Reacting to reports that two to three fidayeen militants had sneaked into Srinagar from outskirts to strike by or before the RD celebrations, he said we are ready to face any threat.
After the fidayeen attack in south Kashmir Pulwama in which we lost some soldiers on the last day of 2017, we have taken a number of measures to foil any such attack, he said adding to ensure peaceful RD we have intensified night and foot patrolling in Srinagar.
We have also set up naka checking at several places, particularly in the areas where vehicles are entering the city from outskirts to foil any attempt to smuggle in arms and ammunition, he added.
We have already directed field commanders to be on high alert in the city as militants may try to do something in Srinagar for wide publicity, he said.
The officer said that shifting of the venue of main RD function from Bakshi stadium to SK stadium was an added challenge. However, he said, situation is well under control and security forces and state police personnel are ready to meet any challenge.
Meanwhile, authorities have closed main road near the SK Stadium at Sonawar. The road will remain closed for any civilian traffic movement till the end of the RD function.
Traffic police in an advisory said that with effect from January 23 to 25 from 0800 hrs to 2400 hrs everyday.
According to the diversion plan, Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) including Sumo, Tavera and Tata-407 coming from South including Batwara and Shivpora shall adopt Ram Munshibagh towards Dalgate via Ziyarat Syed Sahab, Dalgate(left Turn)-Radio Kashmir (Right Turn)- Polo View- Ghanta Ghar- Hari Singh High Street (H.S.H.S)- Jehangir Chowk.
Similarly, LMV, as well as PSVs including Sumo, Tavera and Tata-407 coming from Jehangir Chowk, Moulana Azad Road and Abdullah Bridge, shall adopt Radio Kashmir- Golf Crossing- Dalgate- Badyari -Nehru Park- Lalit Grand Hotel- Gupkar Ram Munshi Bagh-Sonawar route.
The department said that no vehicles shall be allowed towards Ram MunshiBagh- Church Lane route (SK stadium). All vehicle operators including PSV-407, Sumo, Tavera are advised to strictly adhere to the traffic Plan.
Meanwhile, police has also issued an advisory for RD functions in the south Kashmir valley. ” General Public is requested to cooperate with police at Naka and frisking points”.
He appealed to people not to feel it as a harassment by the police. Police also issued a warning to people not to touch any abandon object and inform police when they found any suspected person or object and material at any place.
The advisory has been issued following intelligence reports that militants are planning to cause disturbance by or before the RD function in south Kashmir. Security forces and state police have set up Nakas and other checking points on main and interior roads in south Kashmir, including Srinagar-Jammu national highway, passing through Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam.
A close watch is being maintained by security forces to foil any militant attempt to cause disturbance. Meanwhile, scores of known trouble makers have been taken into preventive custody in south Kashmir during the past few days.
(AGENCIES)
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