Srinagar, Mar 7: Thousands of people from across Jammu and Kashmir gathered at Bakshi Stadium here and attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally, chanting his name and wearing Modi masks.
This marked PM Modi’s first visit to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
During the event, Modi unveiled development projects and participated in the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme.
Security was tight, with officials managing the large crowd of supporters and ensuring normalcy as shops and businesses remained open across Kashmir.
Traffic diversions were in place around the venue, including restrictions on several routes to accommodate the VVIP visit. However, medical emergencies were assured access through the shortest possible routes.
PM Modi was received at Srinagar International Airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior BJP leaders before he laid a wreath at the War Memorial at Badami Bagh Cantonment, the headquarters of the Army’s 15 Corps.
The security apparatus was heightened along PM Modi’s route to Bakshi Stadium, with stringent measures in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
Surveillance drones, CCTV cameras, and increased foot patrols were deployed while marine commandos were stationed in water bodies to prevent subversive activities.
Officials here said tight security arrangements were in place but there were no restrictions on the movement of people. Life was normal across Kashmir and most shops and other business establishments were open here, the officials said.
They said there were no restrictions on the movement of the people in any part of Kashmir, except for traffic diversions around the venue of the PM’s rally.
During this visit, PM Modi focused on development, launching projects worth over Rs 6400 crore.
People from various regions of Kashmir had travelled to Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar to attend the PM’s speech. Tariq Ahmad Khan, 40, from Srinagar downtown highlighted the positive changes in Srinagar downtown since 2019 saying that with increased peace, youth had gotten engaged in education rather than conflict.
Many people were seen wearing tricolour turbans and waving BJP flags, showcasing their support and enthusiasm for the PM’s visit to Srinagar. The vibrant display of colours and flags added to the festive atmosphere at the Bakshi Stadium.
Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, 66, a farmer from Shopian praised the government’s development efforts especially schemes aimed at improving farmers’ lives.
Sheikh highlighted the positive impact these initiatives had on the agricultural sector, bringing tangible benefits to farmers like him. Many people walked over 5 km to reach Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Zahoor Ahmad from Kulgam said he left home at 3 am to reach Srinagar.
“I didn’t know how I would get here as most people were asleep. I didn’t have any transportation. I walked around 4-6 km and then a group of people in a load carrier heading towards the rally gave me a lift, and I reached Srinagar on time,” he said.
Ahmad is worried about the problems faced by daily wage workers.
He expressed hope that PM Modi would help solve those issues.
“If the PM helps us, he will gain the support of all Kashmiri daily wagers in the upcoming elections,” Ahmad said.
Muhammad Maqbool Mir from Ganderbal said, “I faced many challenges getting to the stadium because some roads were closed for security reasons. However, I understood that these measures were for everyone’s safety. Security personnel helped and guided us to alternative routes to reach the stadium.”
By Mehroob Mushtaq and Shabir ibn Yusuf