SRINAGAR: A day ahead of the Republic Day, authorities on Thursday snappedthe mobile internet services in Kashmir. The internet services on mobilephones and data cards were suspended this evening as part of the securitydrill of the Republic Day.

Strict security measures have been taken in occupied Kashmir ahead of theIndian Republic Day.

Although, it’s a normal practice in Kashmir to suspend the internetservices on the Republic Day and Independence Day, this is the first timethat these services were withdrawn a day earlier.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at strategic locations inthe city.

The law enforcing agencies are carrying out random frisking and searches ofvehicles entering the city.

This year the main Republic Day function will be held at Sher-e-KashmirCricket Stadium instead of the regular venue — Bakshi Stadium.

The area around the cricket stadium was sealed on Wednesday for full dressrehearsal of the Republic Day Parade.

Traffic police has issued an advisory for movement of vehicles between thecity centre and south Kashmir and no vehicle will be permitted to movealong the Ram Munshi Bagh- TRC stretch of the road during the rehearsal andRepublic Day function.