Monday, December 23News and updates from Kashmir

In Frames: Security heightened across Lal Chowk Srinagar in view of BJP’s ‘Tiranga Yatra’

Authorities have tightened security across the Lal chowk area of Srinagar in view of the Bhartiya Janta Party’s (BJP) Tiranga Yatra on the occasion of Vijay Divas- celebrated in memory of the Kargil war victims.

Several roads leading to Lal Chowk area had been sealed. Photo- Ubaid Mukhtar

The Bhartiya Janta Party said that at least 300 bikers from different parts of India participated in the rally which was flagged off by BJP General Secretary Tarun Chug.

Targeting Abdullahs and Muftis, Chug said the twin families have failed to serve the people in the last 70 years, and “the two families have made J&K terrorism capital while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it tourism and progress capital.”

Paramilitary troopers were seen manning the streets of Lal chowk in Srinagar. Photo Ubaid Mukhtar~ TK

“Mehbooba Mufti had claimed that after the abrogation of Article 370, no one will raise tricolor in J&K, let she visit Lal Chowk and see how everyone has been carrying the tricolor in their hands,” he said, adding that the twin families were claiming high and tall that the Article 370 cannot be abrogated, but the PM Modi has made it possible.

About the rally, he said that the rally is being organized to remember the sacrifices of the Kargil war. “J&K has moved forward and cannot move ahead as per the aspirations of the dynasty,” he told reporters.

BJP Tiranga Yatra
Concertina wires blocked the alleys leading to Lal Chowk, the central market of Srinagar. Photo- Ubaid Mukhtar~ TK

Meanwhile, all road leading to Lal Chowk had been sealed with concertina wires amid a heavy security presence. A Senior Police official quoted by a local newspaper said that the arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident. “At the same time it will be ensured that common people don’t face any inconvenience,” he said.

The Streets in the immediate vicinity of Lal Chowk wore a deserted look amid the heightened security arrangements. Photo- Ubaid Mukhtar~ TK

Several shops also remained shut, however, most of the market was abuzz with customers with paramilitary troopers patrolling the entire Lal Chowk.

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