A high alert has been sounded by police in Kashmir after receiving “strong inputs” on a possible suicide bombing by a woman targeting the Republic Day function on January 26.
According to an ''urgent'' internal message, ''there is a strong input that one... aged about 18 years, resident of Yerwada, Pune in Maharastra, who is presently in the valley may cause a suicide bomb explosion near or inside the Republic Day parade venue in Kashmir valley. All are directed to please ensure that frisking of ladies at (the venues) is done meticulously and with utmost caution so as to thwart the nefarious designs of ANEs (anti-national elements).”
The message has been conveyed to all senior superintendents of police and district superintendents.
For the last one week security has been beefed up across the state in view of possible strikes by militants to create a sensation on the eve of Republic Day. The new threat has led the security forces to raise the vigil in the state.
Police and CRPF are carrying out regular checks at the venue for the Republic Day function, Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where function will be held for the first time since repairs are being carried out Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the traditional venue for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir.
A large number of security forces have been deployed in and around Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium where the last international match was played between India and West Indies in 1983.
The forces are also using the latest technology for the security of the venue. The police and paramilitary forces have set up nakas at different places in Srinagar and have intensified cordon and search operations.
