Srinagar fortified for Modi: 4,000 security personnel deployed

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, December 8, 2014:  Authorities on Monday deployed more than 4,000 security personnel to secure the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public rally in Srinagar, an IANS report stated.

 

"We are taking no chances with security on the Prime Minister’s visit to Srinagar today especially in the wake of last Friday’s terror attacks in the Valley," a top official of the state’s security grid said.

The officer also confirmed that more than 4,000 security personnel drawn from central and state security forces have been deployed on the security in and around the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where Modi will address a BJP election rally today afternoon.

"This is in addition to security force deployment at other places in Srinagar city", the officer said.

Restrictions have also been imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar. The areas placed under restrictions fall under the jurisdiction of Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Khanyar and Safakadal police stations.

Modi will visit the Badami Bagh cantonment headquarters of the army’s 15 corps in Srinagar before arriving at the public rally venue in the afternoon, BJP sources said.

"The Prime Minister will begin his Srinagar visit by paying homage to the martyrs of the army who laid down their lives fighting the terror attack at Mahura camp in Uri last Friday", a local BJP leader told IANS.
 

Helicopters were deployed on Sunday for surveillance over the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, the venue of the event, and adjoining areas.

"The grid is very much in place and it is highly effective. I do not think it will be appropriate for me to reveal anything more than that," General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 15 Corps Lt General Subrata Saha had said.

The security forces -- including police and paramilitary CRPF -- had been deployed in strength across the Srinagar city while all roads leading to the venue of the rally have been sealed.

Concertina wires had been laid at several intersections in city’s Dalgate, Sonawar, Gupkar Road and TRC Crossing to block the movement of vehicles and people towards the stadium.

 

Courtesy: Indiatoday