Area Domination Heightened; Additional Checkpoints Established Ahead of Republic Day
Srinagar, Jan 21: Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, the Srinagar Police conducted large-scale search and area domination operations across several rural and peripheral areas of the district on Tuesday to ensure foolproof security arrangements.
Officials said coordinated search operations were carried out in Takanwari, Karnabal, Shallbug, and Bakshipora on the outskirts of Srinagar. Police teams, assisted by other security agencies, conducted thorough checks of residential houses, open fields, orchards, and suspected hideouts as part of heightened security measures.
“These operations are part of routine area-domination and preventive security exercises aimed at maintaining peace and thwarting any attempts to disrupt Republic Day celebrations,” a senior police official told Greater Kashmir. He added that the searches were intelligence-based and conducted in a calibrated manner with public safety as a priority.
In addition to the searches, security has been significantly strengthened across Srinagar city. Frisking at all major entry and exit points has been intensified, with additional checkpoints and mobile vehicle checking points (MVCPs) set up at strategic locations. Security personnel have been deployed in larger numbers in sensitive and vulnerable areas, while random checks of vehicles and pedestrians are being conducted round the clock.
Officials said night patrolling has been increased, particularly in downtown and peripheral areas. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) are on standby to respond swiftly to any emergency. Surveillance has been enhanced through CCTV cameras and other technical means to closely monitor city movement.
“Special focus is being laid on vital installations, crowded public places, markets, and Republic Day venues. Coordination among various security agencies has been strengthened to ensure a seamless security grid,” the official added.
Police have also issued an advisory urging citizens to cooperate during security checks and frisking, and to promptly report any suspicious movement, unfamiliar persons, or unattended objects to the nearest police station or control room.
The intensified security measures come amid a heightened alert across the Valley in view of Republic Day, with authorities determined to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations. Officials reiterated that the checks and restrictions are purely precautionary and appealed to the public to extend full cooperation in the larger interest of safety and security. (Agencies)
