Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): In a unique move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has invited police contingents from various states to participate in the upcoming Republic Day celebrations in Srinagar, the Union Territory’s first since the abolition of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state in August.
The move is aimed at displaying ‘national unity’, an official said.
“These contingents (from various states) will march with the Jammu and Kashmir police in the parade. Later, they will display their unique acts of valour,” a senior police official said.
“It will mark unity and integrity of India,” he added.
Additional Director General of Police (Security, Law and Order) Munir Ahmad Khan said it was yet to be seen which states participate in the parade.
This is the first Republic Day function since THE abolition of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir UT and Ladakh UT.
The parade here will be held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Cricket Stadium and the Lt Governor’s Advisor Farooq Ahmad Khan is likely to unfurl the tricolour and take salute amid intense security measures.
A senior police official said heavy security blanket has been thrown in and around the venue to ensure incident-free Republic Day function. All roads leading to the venue will be sealed until the function is over. Later in the day, traffic shall be allowed.
Drones and helicopters will be pressed into service to keep surveillance in and around the venue.
“Nakas (security pickets) will be established at various intersections to avert any untoward incident. The deployment will be almost similar to that of the previous year. People from various areas will be participating in the function,” the official said.
This year, the administration has lined up a number of programmes to mark the Republic Day.
A source said students from various schools of Kashmir and Jammu region will present cultural programme.
Among the list of VIPs and VVIPs are Panchayat members, Councillors and Chairpersons of Block Development Councils, an official at Srinagar Deputy Commissioner’s office said.
