PM commences 2-day Kashmir visit

Srinagar, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, launching developmental projects worth over 1800 crore and participating in the International Yoga Day 2024 event on Friday.

PM Modi landed at Srinagar Technical Airport at 5:15 pm.

At Technical Airport, he was received by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General Police (DGP) Rashmi Ranjan Swain, Joint Director Intelligence Bureau (IB) Mahesh Dixit, J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, BJP General Secretary Sunil Sharma, and other officers.

During his visit, PM Modi will also attend the 'Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' event at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on Friday morning.

This marks his first visit to J&K since assuming office for the third consecutive term as PM.

According to an official handout from the Press Information Bureau, “On June 21, at around 6:30 am, the PM will participate in the 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar. He will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session thereafter.”

In addition to his participation in the Yoga Day event, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over Rs 1500 crore.

He will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) valued at Rs 1800 crore.

SECURITY HEIGHTENED

Meanwhile, security across J&K has been heightened in preparation for the PM’s visit.

Security forces have been deployed extensively throughout Srinagar City to ensure the visit passes off peacefully, with roads leading to the SKICC sealed off.

More than 7000 participants are expected to join PM Modi in performing Yoga on Friday on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake.

The PM’s visit commenced with a helicopter journey from Srinagar’s Technical Airport to Badami Bagh, followed by a visit to Raj Bhavan and then travel by road to SKICC.

The entire area, including Raj Bhavan and SKICC, has undergone extensive security sweeps, with elite SPG and MARCOS units deployed to ensure safety, especially around Dal Lake.

Officials described the security measures as stringent, with designated “red zones” to control movement and a multi-tier security arrangement involving SPG personnel and Navy’s MARCOS.

The visit adheres strictly to the SPG’s ‘Blue Book’ guidelines, outlining comprehensive security protocols mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Advanced security liaison activities involving IB officials, J&K Police, and magistrates have been meticulously coordinated.

ENTHUSIASM AND EXCITEMENT

Additionally, the PM will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development projects across J&K, underscoring his commitment to the region’s growth and prosperity.

Srinagar City was adorned with colourful hoardings to greet PM Modi, reflecting the enthusiasm and excitement among the locals.

Streets and prominent locations were festooned with hoardings of PM Modi.