J&K set for 80th I-Day celebrations amid heightened security

Admin urges people to join August 15 celebrations across UT

Jammu Tawi, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to celebrate 80th  Independence Day on Saturday with elaborate arrangements in place across the Union Territory and heightened security to ensure peaceful and incident-free functions.

An official said that the civil administration and security agencies have completed preparations for the August 15 celebrations, with functions scheduled at district, sub-divisional and block levels across Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will preside over the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will lead the main celebration at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, the official said, adding that the administration has made arrangements for the ceremonial functions, including parades, cultural programmes and other activities, while full dress rehearsals have been conducted at various venues ahead of the celebrations.

He said that security has been strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly around major venues, sensitive installations, highways, entry and exit points and vulnerable areas along the Line of Control and International Border.

The security grid has been reinforced along stretches of the LoC, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors of North Kashmir and the Sunderbani area of Jammu, the official said.

He said that additional surveillance and area domination measures have also been put in place along the International Border in the Jammu region, with security personnel maintaining round-the-clock patrolling and monitoring sensitive locations.

Another official said that troops deployed along the LoC have intensified patrolling and surveillance and are maintaining close coordination to detect and respond to any suspicious movement or possible infiltration attempt. “Security forces have also deployed modern surveillance equipment, including drones and quadcopters equipped with high-resolution cameras and night-vision capabilities, in difficult and vulnerable areas. Smart fencing and electronic surveillance systems have been strengthened at vulnerable points to supplement physical barriers and improve detection capabilities along the borders,” he said, adding, “Rapid response teams and specialised units have been kept ready for quick deployment to sensitive locations, while bulletproof and all-terrain vehicles are being used to facilitate movement in mountainous and difficult terrain.”

The official said that security forces have also conducted operational exercises to sharpen their response to possible infiltration attempts and attacks on forward positions.

Recently, troops in the Sunderbani sector conducted drills simulating infiltration and attacks on fortified positions to test coordination, firepower and rapid-response capabilities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified checking and surveillance in sensitive and border areas besides strengthening security at key entry and exit points, he said.

“Security agencies are maintaining close coordination and sharing intelligence inputs to prevent any attempt to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations or exploit increased movement during the occasion,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has appealed to people across the Union Territory to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in large numbers and attend functions being organised at district and other levels.