A multi-layer security blanket is in place in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to address an election rally at the Sher-e-Kashmir park. This will be Modi's first rally for BJP candidates in Kashmir before the assembly elections in the Union territory later this month.
"We have made a multi-tier security arrangement for the VVIP visit as per the Standard Operating Procedure laid down for such events," Inspector General of Police (IGP) V K Birdi said on Tuesday.
The venue is within a kilometre from the iconic Lal Chowk clock tower.
Additional police and para military forces have been deployed in the city and its adjoining areas. Snipers and sharpshooters will also be positioned in the buildings around the venue.
PM Modi is visiting Srinagar a day after the union territory recorded a voter turnout of more than 61 percent in the first phase of assembly polls covering 24 segments across seven districts.
In a post on X yesterday, PM Modi praised the people for the high voter turnout.
"I look forward to being among the people of Jammu and Kashmir today. Will address a rally in Srinagar and Katra. Yesterday’s turnout has shown that the people of J&K are very enthusiastic about the elections and are keen to make the poll process vibrant. I will speak about our development agenda and seek people’s blessings," PM Modi said on X.
BJP leaders are expecting around 20,000 to 30,000 people to attend the rally, in which many senior BJP leaders and some party candidates from Srinagar will be present.
"We will be issuing regular travel advisories in order to ensure that the event is smooth and people face the least inconvenience," IGP VK Birdi added.
Security personnel have been deployed along the roads leading to the venue of the PM's rally, according to officials.
They said police and paramilitary forces have intensified random checking of vehicles at dozens of places and special checkpoints have been set up.
Security forces have increased patrols around the venue as part of an area domination exercise.
BJP has fielded just 19 candidates from Kashmir and left many seats for ‘like-minded’ Independent candidates and parties.
This will be the prime minister's third visit to the Kashmir valley this year. He addressed a rally at the Bakshi Stadium on March 7 and attended the International Yoga Day at the SKICC on June 21.
Assembly polls in the region will be conducted in three phases, with the second phase scheduled for September 25 and the third on October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.