SRINAGAR: With one day left for Independence Day, the security set-up is making elaborate and foolproof arrangements to thwart any possible attempt by militants to disrupt the celebrations. For the 16th consecutive year, Srinagar has virtually been turned into fortress on the eve of Independence Day with security men combing each and every part of the city.

Fresh spate of violence in the past few weeks has further increased the threat of suicide attacks by militants on August 15. The focus of the security apparatus has shifted to Bakhshi Stadium where Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will take the salute and unfurl the Tricolour for the first time after taking over the leadership of coalition government.

A multi-tier security is in place around the stadium and all roads leading to it have been sealed. A rehearsal parade, besides a high-level meeting to review arrangements, was held at the Stadium on Sunday.

Besides Jammu and Kashmir Police, thick columns of CRPF are on the job. "We have surely increased the number of personnel though the threat is of general nature as it has been in the past," said A.P. Maheshwari, Inspector-General of CRPF for Kashmir province. He said, this time the forces have conducted incident analysis to see how militants are changing their tactics.

"We are using the best available human resources and equipment such as close circuit cameras, X-ray scanners and explosive detectors and we have also switched from normal policing to non policing methods." Mr. Maheshwari said.

Keeping in view the May 21 incident at the Congress rally in which militants sneaked in wearing police uniform, special identity cards have been issued to security personnel and sharp shooters. "These cards will be given to the men at the last moment so that there is no scope for fake cards," a police official said.

Patrolling along LoC

Patrolling along the Line of Control has also been stepped up to ensure incident-free celebrations. "Multi-tier security has been activated along the LoC and intensified round-the-clock patrolling is being carried out to prevent infiltration and suicide attacks by militants in forwards areas," a top official said in Jammu on Sunday. Troops guarding the border with Pakistan had been put on alert and a high degree of vigilance was being maintained, he said.

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