Bilal Ahmad Ganie
SRINAGAR, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Srinagar today for a two-day visit, marking his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since assuming office for the third term. His visit is centered around the 10th International Yoga Day celebrations, which will be held on June 21 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
During his stay, PM Modi will also participate in the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at SKICC. He is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects in the region, totaling over Rs 1,500 crore. Additionally, he will launch the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crore.
According to an official handout from the Press Information Bureau, the Prime Minister will join the Yoga Day event at SKICC on June 21 at approximately 6:30 AM. He will address the gathering and take part in the CYP Yoga session.
To ensure the safety and smooth conduct of PM Modi’s visit, stringent multi-layer security arrangements have been implemented across Srinagar. More than 7,000 participants are expected to join the Prime Minister for the Yoga session on the scenic banks of Dal Lake. These participants have undergone three days of training in the yoga asanas that will be performed.
Security forces have been extensively deployed throughout Srinagar, with roads leading to SKICC sealed and a thorough sanitization operation completed on Tuesday. A background security check of all officials, security personnel, and sportspersons involved has also been conducted.
In addition, Srinagar Police have declared the city a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ for drone and quadcopter operations as part of the security measures. Unauthorized drone activities in this zone are subject to penalties under the Drone Rules, 2021.
In the lead-up to the main event, several yoga sessions have been held at various locations in the city and throughout the valley. Notable events include a yoga session at Lal Chowk’s iconic clock tower and a mega camp at Polo Ground.
The city of Srinagar is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to welcome the Prime Minister and celebrate International Yoga Day with a grand event on the picturesque Dal Lake.
The Kashmir Dialogues
