Srinagar, Full dress rehearsal for 74th Independence Day (ID) were held in Srinagar and other district and tehsil headquarters on Thursday in the Kashmir valley.Unprecedented security arrangements were made and all roads leading to the venues of rehearsal were closed for any civilian movement.The main full dress rehearsal was held at S K cricket stadium in the high security Sonawar area, where Divisional Commission, Kashmir Pandurang Kondbarao Pole unfurled the national flag and took salute march past.Contingents from Central Para Military Forces (CPMF), police, Fire and Emergency Service (FES) J&K Armed police and Home guards took part in the march past.Three groups presented a brief cultural programme on the occasion. This time due to COVID -19 pandemic, school students were missing.However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, students who cannot participate in parade and cultural events, however, will participate through digital platforms on August 15.There were very less number of people present in the stadium who were wearing masks and keeping physical distance.Very less number of photo journalists and videographers were allowed to cover the function today. However, those who were allowed to cover the function today will be replaced by another group on August 15 in view of the COVID-19.All road leading to stadium were closed since last night. Security forces had closed the main road with barbed wire at Radio Kashmir, Srinagar crossing and again in Sonawar area.Large number of security forces and police personnel were deployed in the outside the stadium to foil any militant attempt to cause any disturbance during the function. However, the function passed off peacefully.
Similar full dress rehearsal functions were also held in other district and tehsil headquarters.