Independence Day: Army, BSF on state of very high alert

New Delhi, Aug 15: Ahead of Independence Day anniversary celebrations, the Army and BSF have been put on high alert to step up vigil along Indo-Pak border, officials said on Wednesday.

In Jammu region, police has also been put on high degree of vigilance in most of the districts amid intensification of frisking and checking in Jammu city, they said.

This is the first Independence Day after the abrogation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories.

"Army is on alert along LoC in view of the Independence day and increased movement across LoC", an official said.

Similarly, the BSF is keeping close watch and tight vigilance along International Border (IB), mostly in sensitive areas, they said.

Police in Jammu have sought cooperation from the general public for a secure and successful celebration of the Independence Day, urging them to immediately report any suspicious person or object.

People have been asked to inform police in case they notice any suspicious person or object, an advisory issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police (Security), Jammu, said.

They have been advised to not carry arms and ammunition, sharp-edged weapons, hand bags, polythene bags, transistors, hand fire extinguishers, stop watch, any kind of powder, inflammable material like cigarettes, match boxes, lighter, cameras and alike objectionable items, the advisory added.

People have been advised to cooperation with security personnel and not hesitate in disclosing their identity if requested by security personnel.

District administrations have been constantly reviewing the security situation since the government scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5.

An unprecedented security arrangement has been put in place to avoid any trouble in the border state. Also, internet and telecommunication lines had been completely suspended immediately after the government move.

But these restrictions are being gradually lifted after review by senior officials.

Railway police conducted sanitation operation at Railway stations in Udhampur, Katra and Jammu, Kathua and also along the tracks with sniffer dogs and metal detectors, they said.

The security has been increased at all the railway stations in view of the Independence Day, they said.