Security upped for first R-day celebrations in Union Territory of J&K

Security has been beefed up in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir ahead of the Republic Day with a massive deployment of forces around the venues of the January 26 functions across the Valley, officials said on Thursday.

It will be the first Republic Day celebrations in the Valley after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was withdrawn on August 5 and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories.

The security has been tightened at various places in the city as well as in other districts of the Valley ahead of the Republic Day, the officials said.

They said various security measures have been put in place to ensure the Republic Day passes off peacefully.

The presence of security forces around vital installations in and around the city as well as other district headquarters has been increased, they said.

Security has also been strengthened around the venues for the Republic Day functions including the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here, where the main function in the ...