College girls in traditional Kashmiri dresses perform during the full dress rehearsal of Independence Day parade at Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Authorities in Srinagar have stepped up security arrangements across Kashmir in view of series of militant attacks on security forces in the valley ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
Police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed in strength across the summer capital of the state and vulnerable spots in other districts of the valley ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on Friday, a police official said.
He said the security forces have established temporary barricades at several places in the city and elsewhere in the valley to check movement of militants, who might try to disrupt Friday's functions.
Militants carried out three attacks on security forces in a span of 48 hours from August 11 in Pampore township of south Kashmir Pulwama district, killing four persons including three police and injuring eight BSF personnel.
Two policemen and a civilian were killed in a militant attack last night while another cop was shot dead by the ultras on Tuesday.
On Monday, militants opened firing on a BSF convoy resulting in injuries to eight personnel including an officer.
A thick security blanket has been thrown around vital installations including Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the Independence Day function in Jammu and Kashmir, in Srinagar with the police and paramilitary CRPF intensifying checking across the valley.
The tightened security arrangements have been made in the wake of surge in infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations from across the border and escalation in militant activities in the Valley, the official said.
The Bakshi Stadium has virtually been sealed by a large contingent of police and CRPF personnel, while special check points have been set up at various places within the city and its outskirts, especially the entry points leading to the capital.
The vehicles are being stopped for frisking of the occupants and frequent searches of pedestrians are also being undertaken to ensure that the militants do not succeed in disrupting the functions, they said.
The security grid is also relying on modern gadgetry like CCTV cameras and human intelligence to ensure a peaceful Independence Day, the officials said.
Sharp shooters are also being deployed in the sensitive areas and in this regard high rise buildings have been identified especially around the stadium.
There are similar arrangements in place at district headquarters where the functions are scheduled to take place, the officials said, adding the security forces have been directed to remain vigilant and intensify checking to keep the militants at bay.