Independence Day 2018: Security Tightened Across Jammu and Kashmir, All Roads Leading to Sher-E-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Blocked

Jammu, August 14: Ahead of the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday, security has been beefed up at several places in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure peaceful celebrations. A number of checkpoints have been set up at various junctions across the state and main entry-points to Srinagar to thwart militants' attempts to disrupt official functions and celebrations on August 15.

SP Vaid – DGP J&K, while speaking to news agency ANI said that people would not be at any risk which could result in potential troubles. "Security arrangements are in place. We have made elaborate arrangements. I am sure 15th August will pass peacefully. People will be able to participate without fear or any danger," he added.

A tight vigil has been placed in key Army installations to ensure no untoward incident takes place. Reports inform that there have been intelligence inputs about terrorists - supported by Pakistan's ISI - planning to target Army installations in sensitive areas of the state.

According to a report by IANS, the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, the venue of the main function in the state, has been taken over by the security forces. Also, a full dress rehearsal of the parade was held at the venue on Monday. The report further informs that all roads leading to the venue have been blocked by cross parking of security force vehicles and coils of concertina wire.

In addition to heavy deployment of manpower, bulletproof bunkers and surveillance squads posted around the stadium, the other security arrangements include CCTV cameras, electronic access control equipment, drones, sniffer dogs, sharpshooters pitched on top of high rise buildings overlooking the venue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2018 09:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).