Unprecedented security ahead of PM’s Srinagar rally

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar today with the state being turned into a fortress ahead of his visit.

The state government today imposed restrictions in Srinagar to thwart the ‘Million March’ call given by Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Syed Ali Geelani.

Large numbers of security forces have been deployed in the sensitive areas to maintain calm and to ensure no untoward elements affect the Prime Minister’s visit.

Restrictions have been imposed in the downtown area as well as around the venue were the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally in valley.

He will inaugurate the 450 Mega Watt Baglihar Hydro Electric Power Project Stage-II at Ramban and will also lay the foundation stone for four-laning of Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal section of National Highway 44 at Chanderkote Ramban and address a gathering there.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce a ‘development package’ for the state that includes rehabilitation package for September 2014 flood affected people.

This will be his first public rally in Srinagar after the state government assumed office in March this year.

Led by Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, the entire cabinet including Sajjad Lone is expected to join the Prime Minister. The Peoples Democratic Party President (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti, BJP’s senior leader Jugal Kishore will also share the stage with him.

The state government had launched a massive crackdown on separatist leaders ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the state.

All prominent separatist leaders, including JKLF chief Yasin Malik, senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have been either detained or put under house arrest. (ANI)