Security measures have been heightened in Srinagar in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on March 4, 2024. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration has undertaken extensive arrangements to mobilize hundreds of government employees for a public rally at Bakshi Stadium on March 7.
According to official sources, 13 departments have been instructed to send personnel to the event. These departments include Education, the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Agriculture, the Rural Development Department, Handicrafts, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Integrated Child Development Services, the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, Nehru Yuva Kendra, the J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board, Social Welfare, and Jal Shakti.
Additionally, the Food Safety department has been tasked with ensuring that representatives from 62 bakery shops across Srinagar are present at the rally. An official circular stated, “All Departmental/Sectoral Nodal Officers shall strictly ensure that vehicles allotted to their respective sectors shall only be utilized at respective identified pickup locations, keeping in view of the security measures. No alteration shall be entertained in the list of participants, Vehicle Nodal Persons, allotted vehicles etc.”
Documents obtained by The Hindu indicate that around 7,000 employees from these departments are expected to attend the event. A comprehensive security clearance initiative is underway to conduct background checks on these government employees. One employee, speaking anonymously, revealed that security agencies are seeking details about the employees’ spouses and family members, inquiring whether any have links to militants.
A teacher from the Education department expressed uncertainty regarding their role in the event. Official sources stated that employees will be picked up before dawn. Another teacher mentioned, “We have been asked to arrive at school premises around 4 a.m. We have been strictly directed not to bring eatables to the venue. Except phones, no bags will be allowed. There is no further direction to us.”
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks his first trip to the Kashmir Valley since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He will address the public rally at Bakshi Stadium around 12 p.m. on March 7, making this his second visit to Jammu and Kashmir in the past three weeks.
