Security heightened in Srinagar ahead of Vice President’s visit

Srinagar, Feb 23: Security has been significantly intensified across Srinagar ahead of the visit of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan who is scheduled to attend the annual convocation ceremony at University of Kashmir on Thursday .

Authorities have put in place elaborate security arrangements, with heightened vigil particularly in and around the varsity campus at Hazratbal. Multi-layered security cover has been established to ensure smooth conduct of the high-profile event.

Large contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across key areas of the city, especially along routes leading to the university. Security personnel were seen manning major intersections, conducting vehicle checks, and frisking commuters as part of precautionary measures.

Officials said that additional checkpoints have been set up at several entry and exit points of the city, while random checking of vehicles is being carried out. “Security has been strengthened as part of standard protocol during visits of VVIPs. All necessary measures are in place to ensure safety,” a senior police officer said.

As part of preventive security measures, security forces launched speculative Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) in several parts of Srinagar late Sunday evening and early Monday morning. Residential areas considered sensitive witnessed door-to-door verification drives, officials said.

While no major incidents were reported during the operations, the visible presence of armed personnel added to the security atmosphere in parts of the city.

The campus of University of Kashmir has been placed under a multi-tier security grid. Entry to the campus is being strictly regulated. Checkpoints have been erected on roads leading to the university, and frisking points have been established at multiple locations. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads have also been deployed as a precautionary measure, officials said.

The Vice President is scheduled to address graduating students during the convocation ceremony, where degrees will be conferred upon successful candidates from various disciplines. University officials said elaborate arrangements have been made for the event, with rehearsals conducted over the past few days.