Srinagar: A full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade was held on Monday here as officials said security measures have been beefed up across Kashmir to ensure incident free celebrations on January 26.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P K Pole presided over the dress rehearsal parade at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium here amid tight security arrangements and various contingents of the police and other paramilitary forces took part in the march past.
Full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade was also held at other district headquarters.
Talking to media on the sidelines of the function, Div Com, said that there was no major security threat ahead of the Republic Day in Kashmir as security forces have intensified surveillance and area domination operations across the valley.
“I congratulate people on 72nd Republic Day. Challenges are there as Covid-19 threat is not over yet, but despite challenges, Insha’Allah the Republic Day will be celebrated enthusiastically and genially,” Div Com said.
Regarding security arrangements in Srinagar that witnessed militancy related incidents over the last few months, Pole said there are no difficulties as police and security forces have been put on alert.
“There are no difficulties, our police and security forces are on alert. Besides other arrangements, surveillance and area domination has been intensified across Kashmir, we don’t have any threat or any security issues,” he said.
“I personally reviewed the arrangements being put in place ahead of the Republic Day, a full-dress rehearsal was conducted in all ten districts of the valley including Srinagar, arrangements were good, cultural functions were also conducted as part of the program,” Div Com added.
Meanwhile Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar said the security arrangements have been stepped up across Kashmir to ensure Republic Day function is conducted peacefully.
Talking to reporters, Kumar said the security forces have been put on high alert in all ten districts of the valley ahead of the Republic Day.
“We will ensure a peaceful and smooth Republic Day celebration in all ten districts of the valley. Security forces have been carrying out area domination exercises in areas around S.K Stadium in Srinagar and around the venues at district headquarters, besides drone surveillance and security drills are on for the last one week,” he added.
“For the past one week, police with help of the army and the CRPF have been carrying out area domination and other drills. We are also carrying out drone surveillance to ensure peaceful celebrations not only in Srinagar but in all district headquarters,” Kumar said.
The main Republic Day programme of Jammu and Kashmir will be held at Jammu where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the official function.
In Kashmir, the main function will be held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium.
