Security tightened, Jammu and Kashmir on alert ahead of Narendra Modi’s visit
A border force officer and four civilians died in an alleged ceasefire violation the day before his visit.
Security forces sounded a high alert in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the state. Director General of Police SP Vaid told Greater Kashmir that an alert has been sounded in all three regions of the state.
Separatists have called for a shutdown and will protest in Srinagar against Modi’s visit. Schools were also closed and mobile internet was suspended in the region, The Hindu reported.
On Saturday, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Zojila tunnel in Kargil district and attended the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of spiritual leader Kushak Bakula in Leh. He is also expected to inaugurate a hydroelectric power unit in Bandipora district and address a convocation in Jammu on Sunday.
A day before his visit, a Border Security Force officer and four civilians were killed in an alleged ceasefire violation. This is despite the Centre calling for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan.
Modi’s trip has come after speculation that his Bharatiya Janata Party would break its alliance with the ruling People’s Democratic Party after the murder and alleged rape of a child in Kathua district.