PM visit: Security intensified in J&K
Massive deployment around venues on Modi itinerary
Security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on July 4.
Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have set up check points and could be seen frisking commuters and checking vehicles at several places, mostly around Budshah Chowk, Residency Road, Ghanta Ghar, Bakshi Stadium and other areas in Srinagar. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed at various other localities including Sonwar, Parimpora, Bemina, Panthachowk, Soura, Nishat, Nigeen and Zakura.
“Police and CRPF personnel are being deployed in strength in the city and along the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri road to ensure that Modi’s visit passes off peacefully,” said an official.
In Khrew area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police and para-military forces were keeping record about commuters and vehicles plying on road.
Checking of vehicles and commuters began on Tuesday while it was intensified on Wednesday.
“It is a security measure and it would be intensified further as July 4 comes nearer when PM is scheduled to arrive here,” said a police official.
“Kashmir is witnessing security hassles with forces reviving the practice of roadside frisking of commuters. This is not something new. We are now habitual of it whenever any VIP arrives here,” said Arif Bashir, a local from Dalgate.
Besides personnel from Special Protection Group (SPG) who arrived from New Delhi, a good number of paramilitary and state police personnel would be deployed at the venues including Raj Bhavan and Uri, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit.
As per programme, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 25-km-long Katra-Udhampur rail track and dedicate it to devotees visiting Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine.
He will later inaugurate 240 MW Uri II hydro electric power project in Baramulla district.
Reports said surprise checks are also being carried out by police, Army and CRPF on vehicles entering various towns including Baramulla, Kupwara, Sopore and Handwara.
An official said that while more nakas have been erected on city roads, senior police officials are monitoring the frisking operations.
“Senior police officials have directed cops to ensure that people face minimal inconvenience when stopped for checks,” said a senior police official.