Srinagar/Jammu, Jan 25 (NationPress) As the nation gears up to celebrate its 77th Republic Day, security measures in Jammu and Kashmir have been escalated to the highest level, according to officials on Sunday.

The principal Republic Day ceremony will take place on Monday at the M.A. Stadium in Jammu, where Lt Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to hoist the national flag and review the parade.

In Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will oversee the celebrations at Bakshi Stadium.

Marching contingents from the J&K Police, BSF, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Home Guards, and local schoolchildren will present their parade in both Jammu and Srinagar.

Following the flag hoisting and parade, cultural events showcasing the development and progress of the union territory will be featured. Similar events will also be organized at all district headquarters throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Comprehensive dress rehearsals were conducted on Saturday at various locations across the 20 districts in the union territory.

To ensure safety, measures including human intelligence, electronic surveillance, aerial drone monitoring, makeshift drop gates, checkposts, and thorough searches of vehicles and individuals are being implemented in multiple areas of Srinagar and Jammu.

“We have heightened security to maximum alert, leaving no room for complacency as we prepare for Republic Day,” a senior police officer emphasized.

This year's celebrations come in the wake of a tragic terror incident near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 12 innocent lives and injuries to 32 others.

Security forces are meticulously overseeing every detail related to overall safety.

A reassuring aspect of the security setup is that it is being conducted with minimal disruption to everyday life. Officers are seen engaging positively with motorists, reflecting a tension-free atmosphere despite the stringent security measures.

Prior to 2019, under the influence of Article 370, separatists would call for complete shutdowns and urge citizens to observe Republic Day as a 'black day' by extinguishing lights throughout the Valley.

With terrorism significantly curtailed, many separatists have been detained, and those who once called for boycotts lack the courage to challenge the official festivities now.

In stark contrast to previous years, civilians are actively participating in Republic Day and Independence Day events in J&K.

All government buildings, flyovers, and major bridges have been illuminated to spread the spirit of national celebration ahead of the country's 77th Republic Day.