Kashmir: Stepped up security ahead of Republic Day

Officials said tight security is in place around the Bakshi stadium- the venue of main function in Srinagar. The security forces have already sanitised the stadium and vigil is also being maintained around the adjoining areas of the stadium.

A senior police officer said that all security arrangements have been made across the Valley for the peaceful Republic day functions.

"All measures have been taken," he said.

The police and CRPF were seen stopping the vehicles at several places in Srinagar for frisking. Security around the vital installations has also been beefed up.

This year there is a possibility that there would be no curbs on mobile service and internet services on Republic Day.

A full dress rehearsal was held on Wednesday across all the districts of Kashmir, giving a glimpse of the grand spectacle to unfold on Friday.

This year top J&K civil and Police officials have invited people to attend the Republic day functions.

Police have already issued instructions to the forces so that the general public does not face any inconvenience in joining the Republic Day celebrations.

On Wednesday, Director General of Police J&K R.R. Swain chaired a high-level joint security meeting to review the preparedness in Kashmir regarding the Republic Day.

DGP directed the officers to ensure optimum security arrangements at all the venues across Kashmir by making effective use of all the available resources.

He directed for ensuring the highest level of security arrangements and further strengthening the security grids saying that serious attempts are being made by handlers from across the border to infiltrate terrorists into J&K.