Mudassir Kuloo
Srinagar, Feb 1: Security has been beefed up in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on February 3.
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength around the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, the venue for Modi’s engagements in the valley.
The entire area around the venue is being sanitised and security personnel have been deployed in numbers. “Besides area domination, the focus is on intelligence gathering to ensure a smooth and incident-free visit of the prime minister,” the official said.
Mobile checkpoints have been set up at dozens of places within the city and at all entry points of the summer capital of the state, he said.
During his visit, Modi would address a selective gathering of sarpanchs. Later he would address BJP workers and is likely to visit the famed Dal Lake.
He would also inaugurate several developmental projects online from SKICC.
Besides high security arrangements, government is working on restoration work of the parapet walls surrounding the scenic Dal Lake that were damaged. “Even during snowfall, we are working for repairing of walls,” a labourer near the SKICC told The Kashmir Monitor.
The damaged parapet walls of the Dal Lake are making it difficult for tourists to enjoy the beauty as the walls made for sitting purpose can break anytime. “The walls are being repaired in view of PM’s visit. Complete restoration of walls will be taken up on the later stage,” the labourer said.
The surroundings of the SKICC are being cleaned these days. The labourers are busy in cleaning the pathways.
“The authorities were least interested to even fill-up the potholes and repairing of electricity wires, but due to Narendra Modi’s visit, our major demands are met,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a resident of Brein Nishat.
Similarly, the portion of Dal Lake around the SKICC has also been cleaned. “Prime Minister is likely to tour the Dal Lake around the SKICC and we have been directed to speed up the cleaning process,” an official of the Lakes and Water ways Development Authority, said.
Meanwhile, Traffic Police City Srinagar has formulated following route plan for 3rd February-2019 (Day of the visit) w.e.f. 2nd of February-2019 afternoon.“No traffic shall be allowed to ply from Badyari Chowk to Nishat via Boulevard and similarly no traffic shall be allowed from Ram Munshi Bagh towards Grand Palace and Nishat via Gupkar. Commuters travelling from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat and adjacent areas towards Lal Chowk are requested to travel via Foreshore Road & Hazratbal,” police said in a statement.
They said that commuters travelling from Dalgate, Lal Chowk and adjacent areas towards Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat shall adopt Nowpora-Khayam-Rainawari to reach their respective destinations.
CASO in Lal Chowk
Srinagar, Feb 1: Security forces launched Cordon and Search Operation in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar on Friday.
A large contingent of forces including Police and CRPF personnel arrived in the city center and erected barricades.
Drones were also pressed into services as well to survey the area.
