India, Jan. 13 -- A high alert has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Republic Day as security forces step up surveillance and area domination exercises to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration on January 26.

In the run-up to the national event, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with CRPF and other security agencies, have intensified security arrangements across the Valley. Multiple new checkpoints have been established on key highways stretching from north to south Kashmir. These are being manned round-the-clock to monitor movement and prevent any potential threats.

In Srinagar, joint teams of J&K Police and paramilitary forces conducted extensive searches at various houseboats docked along the Jhelum river. These o...