Srinagar, Aug 13: Security arrangements have been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir with authorities conducting full dress rehearsals to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the August 15 functions.

A police official said tight security arrangements have been put in place for smooth and peaceful conduct of I-Day functions in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The security deployment in sensitive areas has been increased. Besides, the security personnel have intensified day and night patrolling and security men have also set up temporary check points, where the vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly,” he said.
“Security personnel are conducting random as well as targeted checks of vehicles and individuals to detect any suspicious movement,” another official said.
Drones and other surveillance equipment are being used to monitor sensitive locations and event venues. Sniffer dogs are also being deployed for anti-sabotage checks and searches, officials said.
The full dress rehearsals were held in Kashmir and Jammu regions today.
Speaking to reporters after the full dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, said security rehearsals had been carried out in all districts of the Valley as part of the preparations for the national event.
"The full dress rehearsal has taken place in all districts of the valley. Along with that, the full dress rehearsal of the security arrangements has also taken place. So that on August 15, we are able to carry out our main program smoothly," he said.
When asked about the two terror attacks in south Kashmir last month, IGP said the security has been increased across the valley.
"The investigations in those cases were underway. Apart from that, all the robust security arrangements are being organised by the respective districts. There is quite a spruced up security setup," he said.
Birdi also appealed to people to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in large numbers, describing August 15 as a national event.
He said celebrations would be held at the district, administrative, and UT capital and urged people to make the functions a success.
The IGP declined to comment on reports of threats to Kashmiri Pandits circulating on social media, saying he would limit his remarks to Independence Day and related security arrangements.
Authorities in Kashmir have verbally advised Kashmiri Pandits engaged in government departments not to attend their offices until August 20 following a threat letter circulated on social media naming six Kashmiri Pandits.
Around 6,000 migrant employees are working in the Valley. Security has also been enhanced at camps and other locations where Kashmiri Pandits and minority employees reside.