Multi-layer security blanket in J&K, border areas for Republic Day

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: A multi-layered security apparatus has been put in place to ensure incident-free Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir amid suspected terror threat on "soft targets" in the state and US President Barack Obama's landmark three-day visit to India.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra will take the salute tomorrow at Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium in Jammu, which has been put under multi-tier security and made out of bound for any civilian movement after being sanitised by sniffer dogs.

"The threat is very much there, but we are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality," Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar told PTI.

"We have strengthened security pickets in the minority areas in the Valley. Security along the border has also been tightened, all the infiltration routes have been barricaded and have set up check posts at every sensitive position," he added.

Security agencies in the state have been maintaining tight vigil in view of Obama's visit to take part in tomorrow's Republic Day function in New Delhi as a Chief Guest.

There were apprehensions that Pakistan-backed militants might try to repeat a 'Chittisingpora type of massacre' in the state.

Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militants had gunned down 36 members of the Sikh community in Chittisinghpora village of South Kashmir on March 20, 2000 on the eve the visit of then US President Bill Clinton.

The J&K DGP said that while the "known suspects" have been kept under surveillances, the quick reaction teams of the police have been kept ready.

"Night domination patrols have been increased and every possible step is being taken to maintain high alert," Kumar said.

Heavy security blanket has been imposed at the MAM stadium as the main function is going to be held there and large number of people are expected to attend the event.

The venue has been sealed from all sides with security men taking positions on flyovers, banks of river Tawi and residential areas surrounding the stadium after conduction massive search and sanitisation operation with sniffer dogs in and around the stadium.

Meanwhile in the Kashmir Valley, special security check points have been set up at all entry and exit points into the city and major towns, where random frisking of pedestrians and checking of vehicles is being carried out to keep militants at bay, a senior police official said.

In addition, sharp shooters have been deployed in the close vicinity of Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Republic Day function in the Valley, the officer said, adding CCTV cameras are being monitored round the clock.