Srinagar, June 19: A multi-layer security blanket has been established around the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the bank of iconic Dal Lake, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lead the International Yoga Day celebrations on Friday.
Modi would arrive in Srinagar on Thursday evening and this would be his first trip to Kashmir after being sworn in for the third consecutive term as prime minister. In February, Modi visited Srinagar and addressed a rally.
Sources said ahead of the PM's visit, Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel have taken over the venue and the sanitisation operation of the SKICC has already been carried out as per the security protocol.
J&K Police, Central Armed Police Force personnel have been deployed in strength around the venue to ensure incident free event on Friday.
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday evening declared Srinagar a ‘temporary red zone', banning any operation of drones and quad-copters in the city.
“For Dal Lake security, forces of different agencies including elite commandos have been deployed to ensure an incident-free event,” a security official said.
The intelligence agencies of J&K police have conducted background security check of all officials of the SKICC, sportsmen and other officials who would be attending the event.
According to officials, on June 21, around 7,000 party workers, students, officers and sports personalities are expected to attend the Yoga Day function in the lush green lawns of SKICC.
The event would start at around 6.30 am and Modi will participate the in 10th International Day of Yoga event. Prime Minister will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the CYP Yoga session thereafter.
Final shape in being given to preparations for the mega event with all concerned agencies engaged in their respective tasks. Hoardings of Prime Minister Modi with the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have been installed all along the picturesque Boulevard road leading to the SKICC.
An official spokesman said on June 20, at around 6 pm, the prime minister will participate in an ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K' event at SKICC in Srinagar.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in J&K. He will also launch Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
The event “Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K” is a pivotal moment for the region, showcasing progress and providing inspiration to young achievers. On the occasion, the prime minister will inspect stalls and interact with Young Achievers of J&K.
The spokesman said the prime minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs 1,500 crore. The inaugurations will include projects related to road infrastructure, water supply schemes, and infrastructure in higher education etc.
Additionally, the PM will lay the foundation stone for projects like improvement of Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, development of Industrial Estates and construction of six Government Degree Colleges.
The spokesman said the PM Modi will also launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project worth Rs 1,800 crore. The project will be implemented in 90 Blocks across 20 districts of J&K, and will have the project outreach of 3,00,000 households covering 15 lakh beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2,000 persons appointed in government services.
The foundation stone laying/inauguration and launch of these projects will empower the youth and upgrade the infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
