PM Modi to address maiden election rally in Srinagar today amid unprecedented security

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address his maiden election rally in Kashmir today.

Ahead of his rally, a thick security
blanket has been thrown around the city. The security officials have placed a tight security cordon in the areas where the prime minister is scheduled to address rally.

Several helicopters could be seen flying over the cricket stadium where Modi will address his first
election rally in Kashmir today.

The security forces - including police and paramilitary CRPF - have been deployed in strength across the Srinagar city while all roads
leading to the venue of the rally have been sealed.

Concertina wires have been laid at several intersections in city's Dalgate, Sonawar, Gupkar Road and TRC Crossing to block the movement of vehicles and people towards the stadium.

A posse of policemen and CRPF personnel have been deployed at each intersection to ensure that the security drill is followed in letter and
spirit, a senior police officer said.

In other parts of the city, motor vehicle checking points have been established by security forces
for checking the vehicles moving around. The intelligence agencies and police have been directed to keep an eye on the suspected
persons, the officer said.

Barricades have also been set up at the entry points to the city to ensure that militants are not able to sneak in to carry out any act of sabotage, he added.

Security personnel have taken positions at vantage points on the buildings around the venue of the prime minister's rally as part of
area domination exercise.

The prime minister is scheduled to address two election rallies in Srinagar and Anantnag towns
of the Valley as part of the campaign for party candidates. Polls in these areas will be held on December 14.

Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani called for a shutdown on December 8 to protest against the visit of the
PM.

Besides the two rallies, PM Modi will address 4 more poll gatherings. On December 12 he will address the rallies at Rajouri and Kathua.

On December 16, PM Modi will also address two more rallies the one at MA Stadium in Jammu and another in between Billawar and Basholi
constituencies.

J&K recorded a voter turnout of 71 percent in the second of the five-phase Assembly elections held on Tuesday.

In J&K the polling percentage saw an increase from the 68.79 percent recorded in the 2008 Assembly polls.

(With Agency inputs)