PM Narendra Modi arriving on mission Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 18: Amid extensive security measures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving in Srinagar on Thursday to address an election rally which is expected to draw a significant crowd.

This will be PM Modi’s first election rally in Srinagar, marking a significant moment in the BJP’s campaign strategy for Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, on September 14, the PM addressed a mega rally in Doda, where he highlighted the achievements of his government and its efforts to bring development to J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

The rally will be a crucial event for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it continues to push for a strong foothold in J&K ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.

Modi’s speech at the rally is anticipated to highlight key national and regional issues and will be part of BJP’s broader campaign in Kashmir.

The venue, Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium which has been adorned with BJP flags, has been thoroughly sanitised, and a multi-layered security grid has been deployed.

The Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the PM’s security, has taken full control of the rally ground to ensure the highest level of protection.

Police officials said that security forces across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir have been placed on high alert. There are heightened patrols, and multiple checkpoints have been established to prevent any security breaches.

PM Modi will arrive at the Srinagar Technical Airport, after which he will be flown by helicopter to the Badami Bagh Cantonment, the headquarters of the Indian Army’s 15 Corps. From there he is scheduled to head to the rally venue.

The rally is set to begin at noon, with PM Modi expected to address thousands of supporters, including key BJP leaders, party workers, and residents from various parts of J&K. Security forces are particularly focused on maintaining a calm atmosphere around the venue, ensuring the rally goes off smoothly.

Srinagar has been transformed and adorned with BJP flags. The city has seen an unprecedented display of decorations, with streets illuminated and adorned with flowers in anticipation of the event scheduled for tomorrow.

This marks a significant moment in the election campaign, as the PM aims to galvanise support for the BJP in Kashmir.

The BJP has mobilised workers from across Kashmir to ensure maximum participation.

Party leaders are hopeful that PM Modi's visit will boost the party’s chances in the assembly elections, especially in Kashmir, where the BJP has been working hard to make electoral inroads.

In the backdrop of the PM’s visit, security has been heightened throughout Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. Multiple layers of security are in place, with the J&K Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary forces working together to secure the venue and surrounding areas.

According to officials, several hundred security personnel have been deployed in Srinagar, with roadblocks, checkpoints, and aerial surveillance being part of the comprehensive security arrangements. "We have left no stone unturned to ensure the PM’s visit is smooth and secure. The situation is being monitored closely to prevent any untoward incidents,” said a senior Police officer involved in the security arrangements.

Additional security measures have also been implemented in the surrounding districts, including Baramulla, Pulwama, and Anantnag, to ensure that the rally passes without incident. Security agencies have carried out combing operations in several areas, particularly around Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium and key installations, to eliminate any potential threats.

Residents of Srinagar have been advised to follow the traffic advisory issued by the administration, with several key roads leading to the rally venue expected to remain closed or restricted on the day of the event. The movement of civilian vehicles is being regulated to allow for the smooth passage of VVIP convoys and attendees from different parts of the city.

Senior BJP leaders have been camping in Srinagar for the past few days, preparing the groundwork for the rally.

According to insiders, the rally will be a crucial moment for the party to showcase its commitment to bringing development, peace, and security to Kashmir.

Later in the day, PM Modi is also scheduled to pay obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra and address a rally there.