GILGIT, Jan 5: Police were placed on high alert here on Monday to further intensify security ahead of Yaum-i-Ashur, officials said.

Law enforcers also carried out a flag march in Gilgit where closed circuit television cameras had also been installed to monitor activities at sensitive points.

Police increased patrolling in different areas and stepped up surveillance around bus stands and hotels.

Entry points leading into the city are being manned by heavy contingents of police. These road accesses will remain closed to all kinds of traffic on Yaum-i-Ashur.

Police as well as Rangers personnel thoroughly searched vehicles entering Gilgit on Monday.

Authorities had asked the water and power department to ensure uninterrupted electric supply for the next three days.

DIG takes additional charge: Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Northern Areas Farman Ali has been given the additional charge of inspector general of police, a post that fell vacant when Khurshid Alam reached the age of superannuation, officials said on Monday.

Farman Ali had assumed the additional charge after receiving a notification from the Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas.

The officials said the federal ministry had sent a summary to Prime Minster’s Secretariat with a recommendation that Mr Alam should be granted an extension in view of his remarkable services.—Correspondent