City turns into fortress for Repulic Day celebrations

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 25

Jammu has come under a multi-tier security apparatus to ensure foolproof and incident-free Republic Day celebrations.

The police have rounded up several suspected persons from various parts of Jammu and have quizzed them while all the check-posts have been strengthened and frisking intensified to avoid any terror threat.

Security agencies have been reportedly cautioned of a possible terror threat in Jammu and Kashmir in wake of US President Barack Obama’s three-day visit to India.

Governor NN Vohra is scheduled to take the guard of honour at the Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium in Jammu, the venue for the main function in the state.

The venue has been sanitised and put under multi-layered security. The civilian movement in the area has also been restricted.

The stadium has been sealed from all the sides with security men taking positions on flyover, Tawi banks and residential buildings surrounding the venue.

“We have rounded up several suspects during the past few days and they are being quizzed as precautionary measures. All security measures are in place and we are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” SSP, Jammu, Uttam Chand told The Tribune.

He said security at sensitive and vital places including temples, Jammu Airport and railway station has been beefed up and additional deployment has been made.

All the vehicles entering and leaving the city were being screened thoroughly while a tight vigil was being maintained on any suspected movement through CCTVs. Night domination patrols have been increased and every possible step is being taken to maintain high alert.

Traffic police have already chalked out a comprehensive plan to put restriction in Jammu city and its peripheries in view of the Republic Day celebrations.

No commercial vehicle will be allowed to enter the city during the Republic Day function. All the buses and vehicles parked at bus stand have been shifted out of the city.

Pertinently, serial blasts had taken place at the MA Stadium here during the Republic Day function in 1995.

At least 15 persons had lost their lives and the then governor Lt Gen KV Krishna Rao had a narrow escape in the incident.

All the schools in the Jammu region, especially the ones located in border area, have been put on high alert. The schools run by the Army, BSF and para-military agencies have been closed since last week.