Modi Arriving in Tense and Cold Srinagar

Checkpoint strewn Srinagar turns into Military Nagar

SRINAGAR:  On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir, Srinagar looked like a ghost town.  All the outlets from and inlets to the city were manned by police personnel and paramilitary forces with check posts springing up and dotting the city. 

Minimal traffic movement was observed amidst curfew imposed in areas that the state deems to be ‘sensitive’. The curfew was imposed after separatists had given a call for ‘Jamia Chalo’. 

Friday looked like a garrison city with multiple security check posts set up on all important locations while the roads leading to Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium have been completely sealed ahead of the much-hyped visit. 

All the link roads near Cricket Stadium have been closed and barricades and barbed wires have been placed in other sensitive areas across Srinagar city.

Skeletal vehicular movement was observed on the uptown roads though no separatist organization had called for any strike on Friday.

Hurriyat (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for Jamia Masjid march prompting authorities to impose curfew in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police station Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safakadal, MR Gunj and Maisuma. Roads wore a deserted look in old Srinagar city where only government forces were seen deployed in strength on roads.

In uptown especially in City Centre Lal Chowk and its adjacent areas, people were thoroughly frisked at the check points created at different intersections. 

Almost all the schools in Srinagar city have decided to close their institutions today keeping in view the activities of the men in uniform. “We cannot take chances especially with the kids because the situation has become so frightening by the increased activities of the men in uniform so we have conveyed the parents not to send their wards to school on Saturday,” a school owner said.

Though there will be no official holiday today yet according to reports normal life is likely to get affected and crippled in wake of Modi’s visit.

Lal Chowk, the business hub in the summer capital is witnessing extra security arrangements and the presence of forces on various vital link roads is exhibiting the scenes of 1990’s when militancy was at its peak in valley. The high security arrangements ahead of Modi’s visit are being taken in view of the series of recent militant attacks carried in various parts of Kashmir valley.

 Reports said that to give final shape to Modi’s rally in Srinagar, BJP big wigs have already arrived in Valley. Staying in a luxurious five star hotels here, the BJP top leadership including Modi’s close aide Ram Madahv is camping in valley since the last week. Madhav is accompanied by other BJP workers who worked for the party during Bihar polls.

Modi who is arriving today in Srinagar will address a public rally in which BJP and PDP supporters are expected to take part in large numbers. 

This will be Modi’s first visit to fortified Srinagar city since his party assumed charge with the help of PDP in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharp shooters, barricades, luggage checks and more -the Indian Forces are taking no chances in Srinagar and other parts of the valley on the eve of Modi’s visit. It is anticipated that he will deliver a financial package to Kashmir.

No green flags for ‘uneasy’ Modi: PDP to supporters

The PDP high command while directing their party leaders to pull more and more supporters for the rally have informed them not to carry party green flags with them as according to them Modi feels uneasy with green flags in Kashmir. 

However, sources said that the BJP leadership had asked their supporters and party workers to carry party saffron flags with them. His visit to Kashmir comes at a time 

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

MONTHLY	Rs 100
YEARLY	Rs 1000
LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS