PM Modi arriving in Kashmir today amid heightened security

Srinagar, Mar 6:  In his first trip to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to arrive in Kashmir on Thursday amidst heightened security apparatus.

This visit marks his first to the valley since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The visit is expected to focus on addressing key issues of development.

Security has been tightened across Kashmir in the backdrop of the PM’s visit, with hundreds of security personnel deployed and checkpoints set up at key locations.

Given the visit, some roads around the venue – Bakshi Stadium - would remain closed for traffic movement until Thursday afternoon.

PM Modi is expected to address several issues during his visit and hold discussions with local leaders.

The visit has sparked off reactions among the residents of Kashmir, with people in large numbers ready to welcome the PM.

Senior officials here said that PM Modi is scheduled to first land at the Srinagar International Airport on Thursday morning where he would be received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Rashmi Ranjan Swain and senior leaders of BJP.

From Srinagar International Airport, PM Modi would fly and land at BB Cantonment, the 15 Corps Headquarters of the Army where he is scheduled to lay a wreath at the War Memorial and pay tributes to the fallen soldiers.

Later in a cavalcade, PM Modi will drive to Bakshi Stadium via Gupkar and Zero Bridge.

The road from BB Cantonment to Bakshi Stadium has already been secured.

The road has also been adorned with flags and massive hoardings.

The venue of the rally has also already been secured and taken over by the Special Protection Group (SPG), with a significant presence of officers from the J&K administrations overseeing the final arrangements.

Security measures for the mega rally include the deployment of the J&K Police along with paramilitary CRPF personnel to manage the security inside and around the stadium.

High-rise buildings surrounding the venue have been occupied and sharpshooters have been positioned to ensure a secure environment.

A good number of people are hopeful that the PM’s visit will bring a new direction for peace and development in J&K.

The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where the PM would address the mega rally has been draped in the national tricolour in preparation for the PM’s visit.

Stringent security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the high-profile event.

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the visit, with security forces deployed along the routes to be taken by the PM.

Barricades have been set up at various points to restrict the movement of people during the VVIP visit.

Surveillance measures have been intensified with the use of drones and CCTV cameras for monitoring. Security forces are conducting foot patrols within a 2-km radius around the venue.

Marine commandos have also been deployed in the River Jhelum and Dal Lake to prevent any subversive activities.

In anticipation of the PM’s visit, several schools along the route have been closed for Wednesday and Thursday

The visit of PM Modi is being closely watched with expectations that it would bring new developments and initiatives for J&K.

SRINAGAR DECLARED ‘TEMPORARY RED ZONE’

In the backdrop of the PM’s visit, Srinagar has been declared as a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ while the authorities on Wednesday issued a traffic advisory for motorists and commuters.

In a post on X, Police have asked the people not to fly drones and quadcopters and sought the cooperation of citizens.

“Srinagar city has been declared as ‘Temporary Red Zone’ for the operation of drones and quadcopters, as per provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect,” Srinagar Police said in a post on X.

“All unauthorised drone operations in the ‘Red Zone’ are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard,” Police said in another post on X.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR MOTORISTS, COMMUTERS

Given the PM's visit, the Traffic Police Department issued a detailed advisory for Thursday.

Inspector General of Police, Traffic (J&K), Bhim Sen Tuti here said that traffic movement from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh and Rajbagh to LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh route would be restricted from 4 am to 7 pm.

He said that the Jahangir Chowk-Solina-Ram Bagh stretch would also remain restricted for the civilian traffic movement.

Similarly, he said, Raj Bagh-LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh besides Gupkar Road up to the All India Radio Srinagar office would also remain restricted for civilian traffic movement.

The restrictions, the officer said, would remain effective from 4 am up to 3 pm and from there onwards the movement would be facilitated in a phase-wise manner and it was expected that all roads would be restored to their normal movement by 7 pm.

Given the scheduled CBSE exams, Tuti said that parents and guardians of the students appearing for the (CBSE) exams are urged to accompany their wards and in case it is not possible for them, they should at least ensure that their wards carry roll number slips and identity cards with them.

“The roll slips and the identity cards will be treated as legitimate passes,” he said. “For any query, people may reach out to PCR or Traffic Control Room.”

SSP Traffic, Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that all medical emergencies would be facilitated with access through the shortest possible route.

The authorities have urged the people to cooperate and better to avoid the specific routes for their convenience.