Security in Kashmir has been beefed up to thwart any possible strikes by the militants in the run-up to August 15 functions in Jammu and Kashmir. In Srinagar, the police and paramilitary forces are maintaining an extra vigil in the wake of escape of militants from a hide-out at Batamaloo. 

For the first time, Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonwar will host the I-Day function as the traditional venue Bakshi Stadium is being renovated. Earlier this year, Republic-Day function was also held at the stadium. The director general of police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid said that stringent security arrangements are in place for the August 15 functions. “As you saw, how forces acted swiftly on the basis of a lead about presence of militants (at Batamaloo). We cautiously carried out the operation to ensure there is no collateral damage as the area is highly congested,” Vaid told reporters on the sidelines of a full-dress rehearsal function at SK Stadium here. He said the militants who managed to flee from Batamaloo are in injured condition and would be caught soon.

“We have made elaborate security arrangements so that people celebrate I-day without any fear,” Vaid said. 

The full dress rehearsal was inspected by the divisional commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmed Khan who also took salute at the parade.

Owing to the change in venue, many areas in the city that include Dalgate, Gagribal, and Sonwar are witnessing massive forces’ build up for being closer to the official venue SK Stadium. A resident said that the security has been deployed in every lane and by-lane while as special commandos and sharp shooters have been deployed atop Sulaiman Hillock to foil possible attempts by the militants to disrupt the I-day.

Inspector general of police Kashmir range,  Swayam Prakash Pani said security measures have been put in place after assessing the situation. “Change in venue is a compulsion as Bakhshi Stadium is undergoing repair works,” he said. “Traffic department will announce an alternate route plan so that less inconvenience is caused to the people.”

Outside the SK Stadium, many make-shift bunkers have come up. Intense frisking is underway across Kashmir, especially Srinagar, where main I-day function will be held. A witness said that there are at least 30 to 40 police barricades from Batamaloo to Dalgate on one side and Hari Singh High Street to Ram Munshi Bag on the other where bikers, and those travelling in four wheelers are stopped, frisked and asked to show the identity. 

A source said that at least 42 Close Circuit Television sets are functional to ensure tight vigil is maintained and militants are kept at bay. 

At SK Stadium Governor N N Vohra will be unfurl the tri-colour and take the salute. 

In Jammu, authorities have deployed hundreds of additional police and paramilitary troopers across the city to thwart any possible militant attack. The check points in the temple city are being manned by troops of CRPF, ITBP along with state police. Army has also been kept on high alert to assist the administration.

 “Security has been beefed up in view of the potential militant threat and intelligence inputs. The intelligence wings of army and police have warned that militants were planning to carry out a major strike in Jammu on I-day eve,” a senior police official wishing not to be named told Greater Kashmir.  “Stringent security measures have been put in place around the Railway Station, Airport, Bus Stand, Police headquarters, Army formations and other vital installations to avoid any untoward incident.”  

The main function will be at Mini Stadium Parade Jammu.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Shiv Dev Singh Jamwal, confirmed that additional deployment of police and paramilitary troopers had been made for the smooth conduct of I-day functions. 

“The best possible security system has been put in place to ensure incident free celebrations,” he said.

Meanwhile, in view of Pakistan’s Independence Day (August 14) and August 15 functions in J&K, authorities have4 suspended AmarnathYatra for three days. Officials said that due to prevailing security situation no fresh batch of Amarnath pilgrims would allow for Jammu Base Camp from August 13 to August 15. 

However, pilgrims at Pahalgam or Baltal are not restricted to perform pilgrimage. The 60-day yatra will culminate on August 26, on the eve of RakshaBandhan. So far 2,78,878Yatris had the darshan of the Shivling at the Holy Cave in south Kashmir.