Security has been stepped up across Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir as the region prepares for Independence Day celebrations. The main Union Territory event will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will take the salute.
In Jammu, the event will take place at Maulana Azad Stadium, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary hoisting the national flag and taking the salute. Similar programmes are being planned in all district headquarters, led by ministers and District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons.
As per the official schedule, Health, Education and Social Welfare Minister Sakina Masood (Itoo) will head the Anantnag celebrations, Jal Shakti and Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana will lead in Poonch, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javid Ahmad Dar will be in Baramulla, and Food, Civil Supplies and IT Minister Satish Sharma will oversee the Kathua function. DDC chairpersons will preside over events in Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar.
At sub-divisional and tehsil levels, the celebrations will be supervised by Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars or the senior-most civil officials, as directed by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
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Security forces have tightened checks at key entry points and public venues, setting up additional barriers for vehicle inspections and personal searches. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, said that all security and logistical measures are in place for peaceful events.
Earlier in the day, the Army stopped an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Uri, where one soldier was killed in an exchange of fire. Counter-infiltration operations are still ongoing in the area.
In the Samba district, the administration has enforced a night curfew in areas within two kilometres of the International Border to assist the Border Security Force (BSF) in monitoring movement.
The curfew will run from 10pm to 5am daily for the next two months, unless lifted earlier. Travel during these hours will be allowed only for valid reasons, with identification required. Anyone found violating the order will face legal action.