Arawat Mehraj

Srinagar, August 13: Authorities have stepped up security arrangements across Kashmir in view of series of militant attacks on security forces in the valley ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

An official told Kashmir Despatch police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed in strength across the summer capital Srinagar and vulnerable spots in other districts of the valley ahead of 15th August.

The officer said the security forces have established temporary barricades at several places in the city and elsewhere in the valley to check the movement of militants, who might try to disrupt I-day functions.

Pertinently, Militants carried a series of attacks since the past one week in parts of Kashmir, in which two BJP sarpanchs were killed and injured at least three security forces including one army soldier.

Meanwhile, a full-dress rehearsal for the August 15 celebration was held today at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonwar. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurangan Pole, unfurled the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past.