Security heightened for PM Modi’s mega rally

Srinagar, Mar 5: While unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place, contrary to expectations, there won’t be any restrictions on the movement of vehicles or people in any parts of Kashmir on Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a mega rally at the Bakshi Stadium.

This would be PM Modi’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir in as many months.

He visited Jammu last month to inaugurate several development projects.

The PM also addressed a mega public rally in Jammu.

“Even the shops and roads around the venue will remain open. The only route that PM Modi will take to reach the stadium from the landing point possibly will remain closed for a very brief period,” a senior J&K Police officer said on conditions of anonymity. “We will ensure that there won’t be any inconvenience to people at all.”

The official said PM Modi would either directly drive from Srinagar International Airport or land in BB Cantonment and later drive to Bakshi Stadium.

“In case he lands in BB Cantonment, he will first lay a wreath at the War Memorial,” he said.

The venue of the rally has been secured and taken over by the Special Protection Group (SPG), with a significant presence of officers from the Jammu and Kashmir administration overseeing the final arrangements.

The SPG is meant to provide proximate security cover to the PM.

The senior officers of SPG have already camped in Srinagar for the last three days.

Chief Secretary Atal Duloo, Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain, ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar, and Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Virdi Kumar Birdi are among the key officials actively involved in security and other arrangements for the event.

Security measures for the mega rally include the deployment of 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.

In addition to ground surveillance, strong aerial surveillance has been implemented to monitor the area.

Security officials in plain clothes, particularly from the J&K Police, have been deployed for surveillance purposes.

The rally is expected to draw a large crowd, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly and without any security issues.

PM Modi’s address is anticipated to focus on key political and developmental issues, with the rally likely to have significant implications for Kashmir.

In anticipation of PM Modi’s scheduled visit to Srinagar for a mega rally at Bakshi Stadium, security measures have been significantly heightened across Kashmir.

Additional checks have been established, and movements are being closely monitored.

For the rally, a four-layer security blanket has been set up and areas have been distributed in zones with every zone head by a Superintendence of Police.

OUTER PERIMETER SECURITY

A perimeter has been established around the stadium, with multiple checkpoints to control access to the venue.

Vehicles and individuals entering the venue would be thoroughly checked by security personnel.

MIDDLE LAYER SECURITY

A second layer of security has been deployed closer to the stadium, consisting of armed security personnel and surveillance teams.

This layer is responsible for monitoring the movements of individuals and vehicles in the vicinity of the venue.

INNER PERIMETER SECURITY

The immediate surroundings of the stadium have been secured with additional security personnel. Only authorised vehicles and individuals would be allowed entry into this area.

VENUE SECURITY

Once inside the stadium, attendees are subject to further security checks and screenings.

In addition to the four-layer security arrangement, high-rise buildings around the stadium have been occupied, and sharpshooters positioned to prevent any security threats.

Aerial surveillance with sophisticated drones is being done for monitoring.

The ground patrols have also been intensified to monitor the area for any suspicious activity.

Despite the heightened security measures, authorities are ensuring almost no disruption to the daily lives of residents in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.