<p>Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar has directed security agencies to maintain heightened alertness and strengthen the security grid ahead of the forthcoming International Film Festival in the Kashmir Valley. He issued the directions while chairing a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar to assess preparedness for the event. </p>
<p>During the meeting, the IGP reviewed security arrangements at identified festival venues, including deployment plans, access control, surveillance, crowd management, traffic regulation and emergency response mechanisms. He stressed the need for adequate and strategically planned deployment in view of the expected movement of visitors, participants and dignitaries. </p>
<p>Officers were directed to ensure thorough route clearance and deploy Road Opening Parties along designated routes to facilitate secure and uninterrupted movement during the festival. Authorities were also asked to regulate entry and exit points at venues and put effective crowd-management measures in place. </p>
<p>The IGP further called for comprehensive traffic-management plans, particularly at vulnerable and congested locations, to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to the public. He also emphasised close coordination and real-time information sharing among all participating security and civil agencies. </p>
<p>Senior officers from the police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CID, Traffic Police, Railways, SDRF, Army, Tourism, Information and Fire and Emergency Services participated in the security review. The IGP directed all concerned agencies to strengthen surveillance and undertake preventive measures well in advance to ensure a safe and secure environment throughout the festival. </p>
