Modi in Kashmir: Tight security in Srinagar for PM's first visit since abrogation of Article 370

The PM will address a mega rally and unveil multiple development projects

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Stringent security arrangements are in place in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The Prime Minister will unveil multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore and address a public meeting in Srinagar on Thursday.

The Prime Minister's schedule includes attending the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir' programme in Srinagar. He will also inaugurate initiatives worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for boosting the agri-economy in the Union Territory.

According to the official statement, tourism projects worth over Rs 1,400 crore will be launched. This includes a project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. Modi will also distribute appointment letters to nearly 1,000 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir and interact with the beneficiaries of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers and entrepreneurs, the statement said.

He will launch the 'Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice Tourist Destination Poll' and the 'Chalo India Global Diaspora' campaign as well, besides announcing tourist destinations selected under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.

He will also launch the first-ever countrywide initiative to identify the pulse of the nation on tourism in the form of 'Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice 2024', the statement said. The 'Chalo India Global Diaspora' Campaign aims to inspire the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors and promote tourism in India.

The visit is a highly anticipated one, considering the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Since it is his first visit to Kashmir since the historic move, there is a certain political dimension as to what he might say on the issue. The BJP-led Centre abrogated the provisions of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.