J&K on high alert ahead of Republic Day; security forces step up patrols, drone monitoring, and mock drills across sensitive districts.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir intensify operations and mock drills ahead of Republic Day amid drone and terror threats (Photo: X)
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has been placed on high alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations, with security forces launching intensified operations across all districts of the Union Territory, particularly in areas close to the Line of Control (LoC).
Officials said heightened vigilance is being maintained following multiple reports of drone activity along the LoC in recent days. Drone sightings have been reported from Jammu region districts including Rajouri, Poonch and Samba, as well as from several areas in the Kashmir Valley. Security agencies said the movement of drones has raised serious security concerns, prompting forces to strengthen surveillance and counter-infiltration measures along the border.
"In view of recent drone activity, forces have enhanced monitoring and patrolling in all sensitive LoC sectors," an official said, adding that ground troops, aerial surveillance and technical units have been pressed into service to prevent any possible infiltration or sabotage attempts.
As part of the heightened security grid, joint mock drills are being conducted at all major railway stations across Kashmir. These exercises, involving multiple security agencies, are aimed at testing preparedness and response mechanisms to deal with any potential terror threat.
Mock drills are also underway at prominent tourist destinations in the Valley, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Authorities have put in place a three-tier security arrangement at these locations, comprising personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Sources in the security establishment said intelligence agencies have received inputs indicating increased terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir. It has also been learnt that Pakistan-based terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are planning to carry out attacks ahead of Republic Day.
In response to these inputs, security has been further beefed up across the Union Territory. Additional checkpoints have been established, frisking and vehicle checks intensified, and night patrols increased in both urban and rural areas. Officials said the comprehensive security measures are aimed at ensuring peaceful Republic Day celebrations and preventing any attempts to disturb public order or target vital installations.
"Security forces are on maximum alert and fully prepared to deal with any challenge," an official said.
