JAMMU, Jan 20: Security measures have been heightened in Jammu as the Republic Day celebrations approach, with the police prohibiting public access to M A Stadium, the primary event location, as a precaution.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s security division has taken over the stadium where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will oversee the Republic Day ceremony, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the chief guest.
“Security is being enhanced in light of Republic Day. The police’s security division has assumed control of the main venue,” stated a senior police official.
Officials confirmed that access to the venue is restricted for the general public as part of security protocol. They also mentioned that sanitization of both the main venue and surrounding areas has been successfully completed.
Station house officers and sub-divisional officers have been instructed to carry out inspections in their designated areas and maintain constant vigilance to ensure a seamless Republic Day celebration.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha will preside over and take the salute at the main event at M A Stadium in Jammu, with Chief Minister Abdullah as the chief guest.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Cabinet ministers Javid Ahmad Dar, Sakina Itto, Satish Sharma, and Javed Rana will be taking the salute at celebrations in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kathua, and Udhampur districts, respectively, as per the directives issued by the General Administration Department.
In the remaining 14 districts, the respective District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons will present the salute at the key events held at district headquarters.
The security forces have stepped up vehicle and pedestrian checks across multiple regions of Jammu, particularly in border areas, according to officials.
‘Nakas’ and mobile vehicle checkpoints (MVCP) have been established at city intersections and at entry and exit points, they added.
Key areas have been reinforced with police and CRPF personnel, officials reported.
Security protocols throughout the Jammu region have been strengthened, with Army, BSF, CRPF, police, and village defence guards (VDGs) maintaining heightened awareness along the International Border (IB), Line of Control (LoC), and in sensitive areas of several hilly and border districts.
Intensified patrolling along the IB and LoC is being conducted by the BSF and Army, while border police units and VDG members have been activated to thwart any infiltration attempts. (AGENCIES)
