SRINAGAR: Days ahead of Republic Day, security forces Tuesday detected an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Srinagar-Baramulla national highway, which was later defused.A senior Sashastra Seema Bal official said SSB personnel responsible for road opening party duties in Tapper Pattan area detected the explosive during a routine anti-sabotage check. The area was immediately cordoned off, and traffic on the highway was halted. The object was examined using a deep-search metal detector, which confirmed that it was an IED.The official said a bomb disposal squad was called in and the device was destroyed in a controlled explosion. Traffic was later restored on the highway, which connects the north Kashmir districts of Baramulla and Kupwara with Srinagar.Meanwhile, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat Tuesday chaired a security review meeting in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to assess the prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness. The meeting was attended by senior police officials.“During the meeting, the DGP took a detailed review of the law and order management, counter-terrorism preparedness, crime control measures, and security arrangements for Republic Day 2026,” a police spokesperson said.“The DGP stressed heightened alertness, foolproof security planning, intensified area domination, and robust intelligence-based operations to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations. He also issued clear directions to deal firmly and decisively with anti-national elements who pose a threat to public safety, peace, and tranquility,” the spokesperson added.