Srinagar, Dec 22: Security forces on Monday conducted extensive searches in areas surrounding Bakshi Stadium here, the designated venue for Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir, officials said.
As part of heightened security arrangements, sniffer dogs and metal detectors were deployed to check for explosives, arms and ammunition in residential and commercial premises located in the densely populated localities of Amirakadal and Maharaja Bazaar.
Officials said the anti-sabotage operations were carried out as a precautionary measure ahead of upcoming national events, including Republic Day and Independence Day, which are traditionally held at Bakshi Stadium.
The searches also covered areas close to Lal Chowk’s iconic Clock Tower, a major tourist attraction situated a short distance from Amirakadal, they added.