Modi in J&K today, will open 330-MW Kishenganga project
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Amid border flare-up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday to kickstart work on Zojila tunnel — that will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the Valley — and dedicate to the nation the 330-MW Kishenganga power project in Kashmir’s Gurez area.
On a day-long visit, Modi will reach Leh directly in the morning from New Delhi where he would lay Zojila tunnel foundation stone.
Later, he will address 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Ladakh spiritual leader Kushak Bakula, who is widely respected among the people.
Officials said Modi will arrive in Srinagar around 1 pm and will rush to Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) to inaugurate 330 MW Kishenganga hydroelectric power project and lay foundation stone for the Srinagar ring road project which is coming up at the cost of Rs 939.41 crore. ‘’The Prime Minister will be in Srinagar for two hours and after inauguration of the project, he will leave for Jammu,’’ said a senior officer privy to details.
Officials said that SPG teams have taken over the security of SKICC two days ago and will be also be responsible for the internal security arrangements for the PM’s visit. While, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and J&K Police will be guarding the outer areas.
All the entry points leading towards the venue have been sealed and mobile bunker vehicles (MPV’s) have been placed around several sensitive locations, especially on the route towards the SKICC.
Special barricades were setup across the city and policemen were busy in random checking of vehicles at many places.
The security in the city was further beefed-up after three rifles went missing from the police post at Dalgate on Thursday evening. Hizbul Mujahedeen has claimed responsibility for snatching of rifles from the policemen and also posted pictures of rifles on the social networking sites.
The post is located in a hotel barely two kilometers away from the venue of PM’s visit.
Around 3pm, Modi is expected to reach Jammu, where he will address sixth convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Chatha. Later, the PM will visit Jammu University where he would lay foundation of Jammu ring road and other projects.