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Kashmir Valley steps up preparations for Independence Day with a full-dress rehearsal at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium. Thousands of students performed patriotic programmes as security forces conducted a march-past amid heightened security and terror threat alerts.
The Kashmir Valley is in the final stages of intense preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, set against a backdrop of heavily fortified security measures made to ensure peace across the Union Territory. A full-dress rehearsal unfolded at Srinagar’s iconic Bakshi Stadium, serving as the centerpiece of the valley's pre-celebration events. The stadium was fully transformed with national flags hoisted across the venue as senior officials, including Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir VK Birdi, inspected the proceedings.

Thousands of school students infused vibrant energy into the dress rehearsal through diverse cultural performances and patriotic skits, while disciplined contingents of security forces participated in a synchronized march-past to signal total operational readiness.

While the spirit of celebration takes center stage, security remains the administration's topmost priority. In light of intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats aimed at disturbing the peace, authorities have thrown a multi-tier security blanket across the Valley. Special emphasis has been placed on securing venues hosting the primary Independence Day functions, with heightened surveillance, strategic checkpoints, and intensified patrols deployed to guarantee a safe environment for all attendees.