Police reinforce security at tourist spots in Kashmir Valley ahead of Christmas

The J&K Police heightened security across the Kashmir Valley, especially tourist places, ahead of Christmas and New Year on Wednesday (December 24, 2025). Officials said the aim was “to maintain a high level of alertness”.

“All preparations should be completed in advance and officers should strengthen checkpoints, especially at night and maintain heightened vigilance at vulnerable locations across the Valley,” V. K. Birdi, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, said, while speaking at a security review meeting at the Police Control Room, Srinagar.

The meeting was held “to assess preparedness for the peaceful celebration of upcoming events”. 

In the wake of an expected rise in tourist footfall ahead of New Year celebrations, IGP Birdi called for multi-layered security at key tourist destinations, including cable car terminals, forest tracks, crowded tourist spots and major access routes. 

The IGP stressed coordinated patrolling, real-time intelligence sharing and continuous surveillance.

IGP Birdi also directed officers to ensure the operational readiness of personnel and equipment to handle any weather-related contingencies and maintain uninterrupted security and public assistance. 

Meanwhile, the security of highways, railway tracks and railway stations across the Valley was also reviewed.

A police spokesman said the meeting concluded with a collective commitment to heightened vigilance, improved coordination, and the effective execution of security protocols to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of all scheduled events.