The stage in Srinagar’s cricket stadium is all set to witness the first public rally of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi after PDP and BJP formed government in the state on Saturday with security agencies on tenterhooks to make the event a peaceful one.The venue has been sanitized and a firm vigil is being maintained by security personnel round the clock with the state being kept under constant watch.Forces have intensified patrolling and frisking across the Valley to thwart any attempt of rally disruption by militants. The forces have also started night patrolling in the city and they also carry searches of vehicles during nocturnal hours.According to KNS correspondent, CCTVs had been installed at more than a dozen places in and around the cricket stadium with both pedestrian and vehicular movement being constantly monitored.
The police have even setup a special control room headed by a senior police officer to monitor all vehicles coming into the city on Saturday.Reports of security being beefed by forces have also been received from other parts of the Valley.It is most likely that the roads leading to the SK Cricket Stadium shall be completely sealed by using barbed wires and poles.The roads to the venue of Prime Minister’s rally will be made out of bounds for pedestrian and vehicular movement.The government has already taken various preventive measures for the smooth conduct of the rally by detaining pro-freedom leaders and activists as they have called for a 'Million March' to counter Modi's rally.Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani called for a “Million March’ on same day at Tourist Reception Center in Srinagar and appealed all youths to join the rally.
The “Million March” was supported by all Hurriyat camps including Hurriyat APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, JKLF Chief Yasin Mailk, Women separatist leader Aasiya Indarabi, Pakistan based militant groups including Lashkar-i-Toiba, Harkatul Mujahideen.Government has detained almost all separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Hilal War while Syed Ali Shah Geelani is under under house arrest to maintain peace and calm in the valley on Nov 07.On Wednesday, the police detained Independent MLA and lawmaker Engineer Rashid in northern Kashmir when he was addressing various public meetings and urged people not to attend the rally of PM Modi and stage protests on that day.Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh told KNS that general people are much enthusiastic to take part in PM’s rally and are hopeful of development and prosperity in the state. “There would be huge people’s participation. People in droves want to come and attend PM’s rally,” state’s deputy CM said.Police spokesman told KNS over phone that all adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure PM’s peaceful visit to Kashmir. (KNS)