Security forces on high alert ahead of Diwali, keep an eye on markets

Nitesh Sangral 

JAMMU: Security in the Jammu and Kashmir especially Jammu province has been stepped up ahead of Diwali. According to inputs the anti-nationalist (militants) can be trying to hazard in Diwali festival. More security forces cops deployed on most crowed areas in the city. State government along with the forces doesn’t want to take any risk on last festival of this year.

Senior police official told to Nav Jammu, tight security arrangements have been made in the city of Temples as the festival of lights Diwali will be celebrated on November 3. Additional security cops of Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed in every nook and corner.

He further said that armed men have also been deployed outside the Civil Secretariat Complex while close watch is also being maintained on suspicious elements through CCTVs,” he added. The police officer said for smooth Diwali celebrations, no shopkeeper has been allowed to sell fire crackers in open as special stalls have been established for the purpose at Parade Ground.

“The Traffic Police department has also been directed to regulate traffic in the city especially on November 3 in view of heavy rush in the markets due to Diwali, “he added. Despite that security at the local railway station and airport has been tightened in the wake of Diwali.

Officials maintained the security has been increased due to the increased rush during the last festival at crowed places. Every visitor at the airport has to show identification documents before he or she is issued a pass.  Higher authority has issued directions to security personnel that follow a tight security on the increased rush on Diwali, they have increased the number of security officials. No one is being allowed to enter the airport without a reason.

Meanwhile, higher security is also being witnessed at the railway station, where the number of travellers is much higher, as compared to the airport.  Most CCTV cameras have been set up to keep a check on all quarters of the railway station. “Paramilitary forces such as CRPF and RPF have also been called to maintain the security level at the station, “he added.

He stated that the security has also been beefed up at the parking lot. The officials are checking the records of each vehicle parked there. Also, travellers, parking their vehicles for more than 24 hours, are being asked to deposit their vehicles documents.