Stringent security arrangements are in place in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The Prime Minister will unveil multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore and address a public meeting in Srinagar on Thursday.
The Prime Minister's schedule includes attending the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir' programme in Srinagar. He will also inaugurate initiatives worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for boosting the agri-economy in the Union Territory.
According to the official statement, tourism projects worth over Rs 1,400 crore will be launched. This includes a project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. Modi will also distribute appointment letters to nearly 1,000 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir and interact with the beneficiaries of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers and entrepreneurs, the statement said.
He will launch the 'Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice Tourist Destination Poll' and the 'Chalo India Global Diaspora' campaign as well, besides announcing tourist destinations selected under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
He will also launch the first-ever countrywide initiative to identify the pulse of the nation on tourism in the form of 'Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice 2024', the statement said. The 'Chalo India Global Diaspora' Campaign aims to inspire the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors and promote tourism in India.
The visit is a highly anticipated one, considering the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Since it is his first visit to Kashmir since the historic move, there is a certain political dimension as to what he might say on the issue. The BJP-led Centre abrogated the provisions of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Security arrangements
A security personnel stands guard outside the venue where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address in Srinagar |AFP
Srinagar city has been declared a 'Temporary Red Zone' for drones and quadcopters as part of the security cover. Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers all along the routes to be taken by Modi during his stay in Srinagar. Barricades have been put up at many places to prevent the movement of people during the VVIP visit.
Drones and CCTV cameras are being used for surveillance, and foot patrolling by the security forces has been intensified in a two-kilometre radius around the venue.
"Srinagar city has been declared as a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, as per the provisions of Rule 24(2) of the Drone Rules, 2021, with immediate effect," wrote District Police Srinagar in 'X'.
“All unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per the relevant provisions of the Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard,”
The police have also issued an advisory for CBSE students who will be writing their SST papers today. They have been asked to reach the examination centres before 8.30 am and stay there till 3 pm. The public has been asked to avoid travelling on routes where vehicular movement is temporarily suspended.
Marine commandos have been deployed in Jhelum River and Dal Lake to prevent the use of these water bodies for any subversive activities, the officials said.
Decked up in tri-colour
The BJP workers have decorated the city and the routes leading to the Bakshi Stadium, where the Prime Minister will address a big rally and make some important announcements. The stadium too has been draped in national tricolour.
This is his second visit to Jammu and Kashmir. On February 20, he visited Jammu and inaugurated and laid the foundations of several developmental projects worth several crores.
(With inputs from Tariq Bhat)
