PHOTOS: Security stepped up in valley ahead of I-Day celebrations

In view of the recent spurt in militant activities, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have ordered security to be beef up ahead of Independence Day. Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com reports

Authorities in J&K have imposed strict restrictions in parts of summer capital Srinagar which is already under a thick security blanket ahead of Independence Day.

A senior police officer said restrictions will be imposed in downtown areas falling under five police stations and the uptown locality of Maisuma.

“The restrictions are being imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the city,” the officer said.

The step is being seen as a measure to prevent trouble in the city after the congregational Friday prayers following the killing of a youth in south Kashmir Pulwama district.

Senior separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq have been placed under house arrest.

Ahead of Independence Day being on Saturday, the security forces in the Kashmir valley including the summer capital are on a high alert.

Security barricades have come up in various city areas at all major intersections. All vehicles entering Srinagar city are being thoroughly searched jointly by the paramilitary, Central Reserve Police Force troopers and police.

In view of the recent spurt in militant activities, the authorities ordered the security beef up ahead of Independence Day.

This is after a long hiatus that such stringent security measures reminiscent of the early 90’s have been put in place to ensure smooth functions in the valley on Saturday.

Special security arrangements have been made around the Bakshi stadium, the venue of the main Independence Day function where state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will hoist the tri-colour and take salute at the parade.

Tight security arrangements have also been made in winter capital Jammu.