Militants threaten people to boycott Independence Day

jammu, Aug 14 (UNI) Tight security measures have been made to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations in Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir following threats from militants to the people to boycott the official celebration in the regions.

New militant groups are active in Doda district and visible movements have been observed by the locals in the upper reaches of the Bhadarwah, Bhallasa and Bunjwa Kishtwar, sources said.

They are expected to be foreign mercenaries with intention to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations, sources added.

A joint team of police, Army, CRPF and other agencies are carrying out search operations in the entire regions, sources said.

Security has been beefed up in the whole area to counter the threats of militants.

Despite threats from militants in the rural areas, people were seen carrying tri-colour in their hands and putting it on the roof of the houses.

Gone are the days when the antinationalists enjoyed monopoly at gunpoint, Shaikh Shafqatullah of Doda district told UNI.

''Now we are not coming under any kind of threats. We are proud of our army and we will celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm and without any fear,'' he said.

High level security arrangements have been made at all government premises where the 60th Independence Day will be celebrated.

UNI