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General alert in J&K on R-Day eve

The Jammu and Kashmir administration Thursday sounded a general alert in the state and deployed thousands of army and paramilitary personnel, besides police, for the smooth conduct of Republic Day functions on January 26.

Tension gripped the Kashmir valley, including the capital Srinagar, where residents fear strikes by suicide squads on Friday.

There were few vehicles on the city's main roads and markets were deserted, while extraordinary security arrangements have been made for this year's function at Bakshi stadium, where the main parade is being held.

Shopkeepers returned home early after downing their shutters in the afternoon. "My family wants me home early. The tension is palpable. No one knows what will happen," said Altaf, a shopkeeper on Residency road.

Troops took positions in the city and the stadium, too.

"We have four-tier security for the stadium, for the first time in 10 years," said a senior police officer. "The army will be deployed on the outskirts, while the Border Security Force will manage the outer ring."

The Central Reserve Police Force and local police, the officer said, will manage security in the stadium.

All roads leading to the stadium have been sealed. Specially trained commandos will also be deployed for extra security.

All high-rise buildings around the stadium have been taken over by the army and BSF. A close watch is being kept around the stadium.

For several days, troops have been conducting searches in areas around the stadium, despite the ceasefire.

Sources said the government had taken extra precautionary measures in view of the recent suicide attack on Srinagar airport.

From Wednesday, the police has been on the lookout for an Ambassador car hijacked by four uniformed persons. Troops searched bystanders and vehicles at various places.

Security is also tight in towns and villages. Troops have been deployed in Barramulla, Sopore, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and other tense areas.

Due to tight security arrangements, state government offices and banks closed early on Thursday, while employees returned home in the afternoon.

Sources said that all roads leading to the stadium would be blocked from Thursday night.

The Complete Coverage: The Ceasefire in J&K

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