Srinagar, Jan 21: With Republic Day 2026 just five days away, authorities in Kashmir have implemented extraordinary security arrangements across the Valley to ensure peaceful, incident-free celebrations on January 26, even as the main venue of the function in the city, Bakshi Stadium, has put under a three-tier security ring. The broader security grid across Kashmir includes multi-layered arrangements, enhanced area domination, frisking at checkpoints, and close monitoring of highways, laterals, railway tracks, and stations.
These steps follow a high-level review by Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, who directed intensified surveillance of anti-national elements, social media monitoring to curb misinformation, and coordinated efforts among all security agencies.
Giving details, a senior Police official said that Bakshi Stadium had been put under a three-tier security.
ìAn outer ring with checkpoints and highway monitoring, a middle layer of intensified patrols and surveillance (drones, CCTV) closer to the stadium, and an inner layer with sharpshooters on rooftops and strict access control for VIPs and authorised personnel, all coordinated by Police and intelligence for major events like the Republic Day or VVIP visits, ensuring public safety while managing threats through frisking, vehicle checks, and readiness for quick response teams,î the officer said.
On Wednesday, in Srinagar, the epicenter of Republic Day observances in Kashmir, the Police intensified security protocols citywide.
Joint teams of J&K Police and CRPF have been deployed at strategic locations, establishing of special checkpoints, and mobile patrols for comprehensive vehicle and individual checks.
Night patrols and surprise inspections are underway to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and deter any attempts to disturb public order.
Additional forces have been assigned to sensitive areas, with a strong emphasis on monitoring suspicious activities.
Senior officers are personally overseeing the implementation to ensure seamless execution.
Authorities have appealed to the public for cooperation during verification processes and urged residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest police station or the Police Control Room (PCR).
Reports of intensified security arrangements were also received from the north, south, and central Kashmir areas.
The measures come amid heightened vigilance following intelligence inputs and recent security incidents, including the detection of an IED on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway.
Security has been significantly tightened along the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
In Kulgam district, Police have ramped up operations under the direction of SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary, with personal supervision by the Additional SP National Highway, Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, and DySP SOG Mir Bazar.
Random vehicle checks, thorough frisking, and identity verifications are being conducted at key points along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, including the Kashmir Navyug Tunnel gate, Qazigund, Mir Bazar, Al Stop, Khudwani Bypass, and other sensitive locations in Kulgam. Multi-tier patrolling teams, equipped with metal detectors and supported by dog squads, are actively monitoring the highway and adjoining areas.
Several pillion riders have been inspected, and multiple two-wheelers and four-wheelers lacking valid documents have been seized as part of the crackdown.
