Vice President arrives in Srinagar on 2-day visit

Srinagar Feb 25: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening for a two-day maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he was accorded a warm reception amid tight security arrangements.

The Vice President was received at the airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi and other senior civil and Police officials.

Soon after his arrival, the Vice President drove straight to Lok Bhawan, where he will stay during his visit.

The route from the airport to the Raj Bhavan was placed under a multi-layered security grid, with heightened deployment of Police and paramilitary personnel.

Traffic movement was regulated along key stretches to ensure smooth passage of the Vice Presidentís convoy.

The official X handle of the Vice President posted, “Vice-President Shri C P Radhakrishnan was accorded a warm welcome at Srinagar International Airport on his maiden visit to the Union Territory after assuming office. Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, and other dignitaries received the Vice-President at the airport. A ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour were accorded to him upon his arrival. The Vice-President will grace the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir tomorrow as the Chief Guest.”

In the evening, LG Sinha hosted a dinner in honour of the Vice President at Lok Bhawan. The dinner was attended by Commissioner Secretaries of various departments, Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police (CID), and other senior officials from the civil and Police administration.

On Thursday, the Vice President is scheduled to attend the convocation ceremony of the University of Kashmir at 11 am as chief guest.

He is expected to address the graduating students and faculty members during the ceremony, which is considered a significant academic event for J&K.

Elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been put in place at the university campus and along the designated routes to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Officials said all necessary preparations have been completed for the successful conclusion of the Vice Presidentís engagements in Kashmir.

Makeshift checkpoints have been set up at several locations, and checking of vehicles and frisking of occupants entering the city have been intensified to ensure security during the VVIP’s visit.

The Traffic Department has issued a detailed advisory asking commuters to follow designated alternative routes to ensure smooth movement of the Vice Presidentís convoy.

According to the advisory, no motorist will be allowed to ply towards Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan, and adjoining areas via Badyari Chowk and Gupkar on Thursday.

Similarly, traffic movement from Ram Munshibagh towards Hotel Grand Palace will remain suspended, and vehicles will be diverted towards Dalgate, Sangermal, and Ikhwan Chowk for onward movement.

Authorities said traffic will remain restricted on the Dalgate, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saida Kadal, and Hazratbal road stretch during the specified period.

Motorists travelling from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat, Ganderbal, and adjoining areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to use the Burzahama route via Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh, 90 Feet Road, and vice versa.

Similarly, commuters travelling from Dalgate, Lal Chowk, and adjoining areas towards Harwan, Shalimar, and Nishat have been directed to use the Sangarmal, Ikhwan Chowk, Nowhatta, 90 Feet Road, and Malbagh route.

Motorists heading towards Srinagar Airport from Harwan, Shalimar, and Nishat will be permitted to travel via Burzahama, Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh, and 90 Feet Road.

Vehicles travelling from Pantha Chowk and Pandrethan towards Ram Munshi Bagh will be allowed via Peaks Motors Nowgam and the bypass.

Officials said medical emergency cases will be facilitated after due verification, and citizens requiring assistance may contact the Traffic Police.

The Vice President will tour Dal Lake before leaving for Hazratbal.  Officials said Marcos parties have been brought from Bandipora and have been deployed in Dal Lake.

Heavy deployment of  Police and paramilitary forces have also been made and boats have been kept ready for the tour.