J&K: Authorities setup multi-tier security ahead of PM Modi's visit to Jammu

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have put in place a multitier security setup ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jammu on TuesdayThe Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally at Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of Jammu during his visit officials saidPM Modi will also launch multiple development projects including for education railway aviation and road sectors worth Rs 30500 crore newswire PTI reported quoting the officialsAccording to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office PMO he will also distribute appointment letters to about 1500 newly recruited government employees of Jammu and Kashmir and interact with beneficiaries of various schemes as part of the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu programmeldquoA multitier security setup has been put in place across Jammu for the Prime Ministers visit to the city of temples The major focus of heightened security arrangements remains the venue of his public meeting and adjoining areasrdquo a senior police officer told newswire PTIHe said that a high alert had been sounded along the borders while the border and highway grids were further strengthened with the officers asked to intensify patrolling and checking of vehicles to keep subversive elements at bayThe officials said the Maulana Azad Stadium has been taken over by the security agencies who conducted a thorough antisabotage checkOn February 17 Jammu District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya announced a temporary ban on the use of drones paragliders and remote controlled microlight aircrafts as a precautionary measure to counter possible activities by the terrorists and antinational elementsThe order was issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code while responding to intelligence reports highlighting potential security threatsldquoEffective immediately and continuing until February 20 the order imposes restrictions on the operation of drones remotecontrolled microlight aircrafts paragliders paramotors hand gliders and hot air balloons within the Jammu districtrdquo the order saidHowever the order said exceptions to the ban include aerial surveillance conducted by the security forces during the VVIP visits or with specific written permission from the district magistrates officeldquoDefence and Para Military Forces are exempted from these restrictions Violation of this order is subject to punitive action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Coderdquo the order readGiven the prediction of isolated to widespread rains in Jammu for the next 24 hours a BJP spokesperson said that necessary arrangements including waterproof tents have been erected to accommodate one lakh people who are expected to turn up for the rally from across Jammu and KashmirAlmost all prominent BJP leaders including JampK unit president Ravinder Raina have been making appeals to the people to join the rally which is seen as a formal launch of the partys campaign for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha electionsMeanwhile the meteorological department has predicted continuation of wet weather for the next three daysMeteorological department officer incharge S C Sharma said did not rule out rains welcoming Prime Minister Modi in JammuldquoThere is prediction of widespread rains at most places in Jammu plains for the next 24 hours followed by isolated rains on February 21 and 22 and February 24 and 25rdquo Sharma told PTIMost places in Jammu and Kashmir have presently been experiencing wet weather since February 18While the higher reaches are experiencing snowfall the plains including Jammu city were lashed by intermittent rains for the second day on MondayA traffic department official said that a dry run was carried out this afternoon from the airport to Maulana Azad road as restrictions and diversions have been placed on the ground to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the cityThe officials said a total of 48 locations have been identified for the parking of the vehicles carrying people from different parts of the Union Territory to the venue of Modis public rallyThe headquarters central pool security Jammu has also issued a detailed advisory for the general public participating in the public rally asking them not to carry any bag tiffin boxes cameras weapon ammunition sharp edged articles cigarettes lighters umbrellas any objectionable flag or any electronic gadgets among othersThe mobile phones should be kept in switched off or silent mode the advisory said and asked the participants to ensure their entry in the venue before 930 am and cooperate during frisking With inputs from PTI