J&K turned into fortress for R-Day

Srinagar: As the Republic Day draws closer, Srinagar is turning into a virtual fortress.

Police and security forces are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.

Following recent disclosures that militants are planning a massive attack, police and paramilitary forces are on a high alert, especially around the main Republic day venue at Bakshi Stadiu.

They have been instructed to frisk without exception, including pedestrains, residents of the area, ambulances and even police and army personnel.

But even though the celebrations are deemed unsafe by many, there is much enthusiasm among the participants of the Republic Day parade. The security threat has not dampened their spirit at all.

The Jammu and Kashmir police has asked the common man to bear with the security measures.

"We appeal to the people to bear with the police as the security measures have been taken for their overall security and safety," Inspector-General of Police (Kashmir) K Rajindra

Kumar said during a meeting of police and paramilitary forces to take stock of the arrangements.

Various wings of security forces have been put on high alert and deployed at various towns of the Kashmir Valley, particularly crowded places like bazaars and crossing points,

to check 'suspicious movement' of vehicles and persons.

Close-circuit TV cameras had been installed around all vital government and security installations and all busy areas in the city brought under electronic surveillance.

All former militants were being watched as the police fear they may be used for carrying out disruptive activities.

(With PTI inputs)