Security beefed up ahead of Vice President’s maiden Kashmir visit

Srinagar, Feb 24: Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Srinagar ahead of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan’s maiden visit to the Kashmir on February 26.
According to the details available, Vice-President Radhakrishnan is scheduled to attend the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir at its Hazratbal campus, where he will be the chief guest. He is expected to deliver the convocation address and confer degrees on graduating students.
Officials said a comprehensive security grid has been activated in Srinagar, particularly around the university campus in the Hazratbal area.
Multiple checkpoints have been set up, and frisking and verification drives intensified as part of the arrangements.
Senior police and civil administration officers have reviewed the security and logistical preparations. Personnel from the police and central armed forces have been deployed in strength at key locations, while access to the venue will be strictly regulated, they said.
Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable locations across Srinagar, with heightened alertness maintained to counter any potential militant threats, officials said.
They said checking and surveillance have been intensified across the Valley as part of the security drill ahead of the Vice President’s visit.
Vehicles are being subjected to random checks at multiple points, particularly on routes leading to the Hazratbal area, where the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir is scheduled to be held.
Security personnel have set up naka points and are conducting frisking and verification of commuters to ensure law and order, officials added.
The convocation is expected to be a major academic event, with over 59,000 degrees to be awarded to students from various streams. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are also expected to attend the ceremony. (KNO)