The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Srinagar stirred a flurry of political rhetoric, economic pledges, and expressions of discontent from opposition parties, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.

In a mega rally at Bakshi Stadium, PM Modi touted the abolition of Article 370 as a catalyst for Jammu and Kashmir's progress, asserting that the region is now "breathing freely" without the former legal constraint.

He declared, "This is the new Jammu and Kashmir for which Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life," underscoring the significance of the governmental action. Amid accusations against the Congress for perpetuating dynastic politics and impeding development, Modi emphasized equal rights and opportunities for all.

However, the opposition didn't mince words in criticizing Modi's address. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar lamented the absence of substantial announcements, including the restoration of statehood and solutions for unemployment. Sagar accused the Prime Minister of rehashing old promises and exploiting young entrepreneurs for political gains.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Congress criticized Modi for sidestepping crucial issues such as the restoration of democracy and job creation, accusing him of delivering a pre-election rally aimed at discrediting opposition parties.

Amidst the political theatre, PM Modi engaged with young entrepreneurs, symbolizing the complexities of governance in the region. Entrepreneurs like Nazim Nazir from Pulwama showcased their success stories, attributing their achievements to government support post-Article 370 abrogation. Modi lauded their efforts and encouraged further innovation, reflecting on the transformative potential of grassroots initiatives.

In his speech, Modi hailed Jammu and Kashmir's progress in tourism and economic sectors, announcing initiatives worth billions aimed at bolstering the region's agri-economy. He extended Ramadan greetings and emphasized the region's importance as a tourist hub.

Security measures were heightened during Modi's visit, underscoring the delicate security situation in the region. Despite the anticipation surrounding the Prime Minister's speech, traffic remained largely unaffected, with stringent security arrangements in place.

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SRINAGAR — A multi-tier security blanket has been laid in the decked-up Srinagar as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to arrive in the Capital City to address a mammoth rally at Bakshi Stadium tomorrow (Thursday).

Reliable sources told the news agency KNO that police and other security agencies have made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of PM Modi’s rally.

“Bakshi Stadium, the venue where the PM will address the gathering, has not been decorated but a multi-tier security layer has been laid in and around the venue,” the sources said.

A police officer said that all security arrangements have been finalised. “All measures are in place to facilitate the people,” he said. “There are heightened security measures to ensure a smooth event. All security agencies are maintaining close coordination.”

Sources said that top police officers took stock of the security arrangements at the Bakshi Stadium and other parts of Srinagar. They said that sharpshooters have been deployed atop buildings adjacent to the Bakshi Stadium.

PM Modi will be arriving at noon tomorrow. He will land at the Srinagar International Airport where he will board an army chopper to the army’s 15 Corps headquarters where he will lay wreaths at the war memorial and pay tributes to fallen heroes.

Sources from the Badamibagh Cantonment said that PM Modi will travel by road to the Bakshi Stadium where he will address a gathering of over one lakh people.

According to Srinagar Police, Srinagar city has been declared as a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ for the operation of drones and quadcopters, as per provisions of Rule 24 (2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect. “All unauthorized drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021,” Srinagar Police said and urged people to cooperate.

Sources said that vital road links from Jehangir Chowk to Solina, Zero Bridge to Lal Ded have been sealed and blocked at some points as part of security measures.

As per BJP’s J&K Chief Ravinder Raina, Srinagar has been decorated with flags, hoardings, buntings and banners of PM Modi and “we are expecting a gathering of two lakh people at Bakshi Stadium.”

BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur said that the rally is going to be historic with huge participation of people. Almost 10,000 BJP flags and 1000 buntings and hoardings have been installed at the venue and other parts of the city by BJP workers.

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SRINAGAR — The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) expects the November 7, Srinagar rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be a grand success, predicting an attendance of more than two lakh people at the venue.

BJP Jammu Kashmir President Ravinder Raina claimed that people in every nook and cranny of the Valley are happy and eagerly waiting for the arrival of Mr Modi in Kashmir.

Modi is scheduled to visit Kashmir on March 7. He will address a rally at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. J&K Police have already sealed the venue for the event and special security pickets have been erected in a two-km radius of the venue. Frisking is being carried out throughout the city and additional forces have been deployed on all major roads coming in and going out of Srinagar.

While addressing a press conference in Srinagar, BJP Jammu Kashmir President Ravinder Raina claimed that Gujjar Bakarwals, Pahari, Hanjis, Telis, Chopans, Hajams and over 40 sub-castes who were allegedly deprived of their rights by previous governments will attend the Modi’s Srinagar rally.

“In 2003, Vajpayee’s Srinagar rally was a success and so was Modi’s rally at SK Stadium in 2015. Due to the efforts of Modi, there is peace and development in Kashmir. Bollywood star SRK and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar freely roamed in Kashmir because Modi invested in peace here,” Raina said and claimed that BJP will win both the Assembly and Parliament elections in Jammu and Kashmir hands down.

He said the future of Jammu and Kashmir is safe in the hands of Mr Modi. “BJP will contest on all five Parliament seats in Jammu and Kashmir and will win all of them. The people of Kashmir love and support Mr Modi and BJP. We request people to attend the March 7 rally in Srinagar and listen to the Prime Minister of India,” Raina said.

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