Srinagar, Aug 5: Jammu and Kashmir remained on high alert on Wednesday as security agencies intensified surveillance and deployed additional personnel across the Union Territory ahead of the anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
A multi-layered security grid was put in place across Kashmir and the Jammu region, with heightened vigil at sensitive locations, vital installations, government offices, tourist destinations, transport hubs and major public places to ensure peace and maintain law and order.
Officials said security forces, including Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Army and other Central Armed Police Forces, strengthened area domination, intensified vehicle checking and increased night patrolling across vulnerable areas.
Special checkpoints were established at key entry and exit points, while random frisking and verification drives were carried out in several districts. Security personnel also enhanced surveillance on highways, major roads and border districts to prevent any untoward incident.
In Srinagar, security was tightened around important government buildings, commercial centres and busy markets. Additional deployments were made in downtown areas, Lal Chowk, civil lines and other sensitive locations, while CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring were enhanced at selected places.
Authorities also increased security along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other strategic routes, with intensified checking of vehicles entering major towns and cities.
Officials said anti-sabotage checks were conducted at important installations and public venues, while Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal squads remained on standby to respond to any emergency.
Security arrangements were also strengthened around religious places, educational institutions and transport terminals, including railway stations and airports, as part of precautionary measures.
Senior police and civil administration officials reviewed the security arrangements and directed field officers to maintain close coordination among all agencies. Intelligence-based operations and surveillance were intensified to monitor any suspicious activity.
Authorities appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel during checking and verification drives and urged citizens not to pay heed to rumours or misinformation circulating on social media.
Officials said the enhanced security measures were purely precautionary and aimed at ensuring a peaceful atmosphere, safeguarding public safety and preventing any disruption to normal life across Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration said security forces would continue to maintain heightened vigilance while ensuring that essential services and routine public activities remain unaffected.