Srinagar, Jan 25: Stringent security arrangements have been made for the Republic Day celebrations here with a three-tier security blanket thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the venue for the main official function in the valley, officials said here on Sunday.

Barricades and checkpoints have been established on all roads leading to the stadium as large number of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the city to ensure smooth passage of the celebrations on Monday.

A full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day was conducted in Saturday with Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg presiding over the function.

Police have intensified patrolling and vehicle checks in the valley to thwart any plans of anti-national elements to disrupt the celebrations.

“Police have stepped up security and checking measures across the valley to ensure a peaceful, safe, and incident-free observance of the Republic Day event,” the officials said.

They said as part of the enhanced security grid, police personnel have been deployed at strategic locations across the valley, especially in Srinagar city.

“Special checkpoints and mobile patrols have been established, where thorough checking of vehicles and individuals is being carried out. Night patrols and surprise inspections are also being conducted to maintain heightened vigilance and to deter any attempt to disturb public order,” the officials said.

They said additional deployments have been made in sensitive areas, with a special focus on monitoring suspicious movements.

Senior police officers at district level are supervising the arrangements to ensure effective and seamless implementation of the security plan, the officials said.

“The general public is requested to cooperate with the police during checking and verification processes and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police station or the Police Control Room,” they added.

Budgam, Jan 25: Budgam Police on Sunday rescued and evacuated two women patients in critical condition from remote areas of Khansahib sub-division and shifted them to hospital for treatment, officials said.

In the first incident, police received a distress call from Batpora Shekhpora village regarding a woman suffering from severe pain. A team from Police Station Khansahib immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the patient to Khansahib Hospital, they said.

In another case, police responded to an urgent call from the Hariwanin area where a pregnant woman required immediate medical assistance. The police team safely evacuated her to the hospital for necessary care.

He said the timely intervention of the police ensured that both patients received prompt medical attention despite difficult terrain and limited access to healthcare facilities in the far-flung areas.

Budgam Police reaffirmed their commitment to community service and urged the public to seek police assistance during emergencies.—(KNC)

Srinagar, Jan 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the latest episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the collective efforts of Sheikhgund village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district in combating substance abuse and promoting social responsibility.

Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister said that challenges related to drugs, tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol had witnessed a significant rise in the village. He noted that the growing menace deeply concerned a local resident, Mir Jafar, who decided to take the initiative to address the issue.

The Prime Minister said Mir Jafar mobilised the entire village, bringing together youth and elders alike, to confront the problem collectively. “When the strength of family and society comes together, even the biggest challenges can be overcome,” Modi remarked.

He added that the community-led effort had a visible impact, with shops in Sheikhgund stopping the sale of tobacco products. The initiative also helped spread awareness among residents about the harmful effects of drugs and other intoxicants.

The Prime Minister praised the village’s collective resolve, saying the Sheikhgund example demonstrated how grassroots efforts and community participation can bring about meaningful social change.

Sopore, Jan 25: Sopore Police have secured convictions in three cases of underage driving, reinforcing strict enforcement of traffic laws and accountability of parents and guardians.

Three motor vehicles bearing registration numbers JK05P-5708, JK05N-1830, and JK05K-2552 were found being driven by minors without valid driving documents. The vehicles were seized by Sopore Police and challaned before the Court of DMMT Sopore under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, said an official spokesman.

Upon adjudication, the registered owners (parents of the minor drivers) were convicted by the court under the Motor Vehicles Act. As part of the penalty, the registration of the involved vehicles has been suspended for a period of 12 months. The convicted owners were released on probation, and the ARTO has been directed not to issue driving licences to the concerned minors until they attain the age of 25 years, as mandated under law.

Sopore Police urge parents and guardians to strictly discourage underage driving, emphasizing that allowing minors to drive not only violates the law but also poses serious risks to life and public safety.

Srinagar, Jan 25: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been partially restored, and efforts are underway to clear stranded vehicles between the Navyug Tunnel and Nashri Tunnel, officials said on Sunday.

However, the Mughal Road, Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road and Sinthan Road remain closed due to prevailing weather conditions, they said.

Traffic authorities have advised commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify road status through official Traffic Control Units (TCUs).

Commuters can contact TCU Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban for latest updates, officials added.

Meanwhile, light snow and rain were reported at Srinagar Airport, where minor snow accumulation was observed at the apron area. Airport authorities said continuous snow clearance operations are underway.

“Flight operations are presently underway, but some flights may experience delays,” officials said, advising passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.
The advisory was issued at around 7:45 am from Srinagar Airport, officials said. (KNS)