Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir is set to begin on Thursday, during which he will mark this year’s International Day of Yoga on June 21 in Srinagar and inaugurate more than 80 development projects in the Union Territory.
This is Modi’s first visit here after taking office for a historic third term. More than 7,000 people from different walks of life will join PM on Friday to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day on the banks of the famous Dal Lake. Here are the top updates from Modi’s visit:
SECURITY UPDATE
In the wake of recent terror attacks in J-K, extensive security preparations are underway in and around Srinagar. Mock drills conducted by the Special Protection Group have covered all routes leading to the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Srinagar district is on high alert, and the SPG has taken control of the function venue two days before the Prime Minister’s arrival, ensuring thorough sanitization. The city is heavily guarded with hundreds of security personnel manning mobile security bunkers, equipped with advanced weaponry and surveillance devices.
“Srinagar city has been declared as “Temporary Red Zone” for the operation of drones and quadcopters as per provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect,” the Srinagar police said in a post on X. “All unauthorized drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to being penalized as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard,” it added.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
The prime minister will participate in 10th International Day of Yoga event at SKICC in Srinagar at around 6: 30 am on June 21. He will address the gathering on the occasion and take part in the yoga session thereafter, it said. This year’s Yoga Day event underscores yoga’s profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale.
Since 2015, Prime Minister Modi has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year’s theme “Yoga for Self and Society” highlights the dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas.
EMPOWERING YOUTH
Before Yoga Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar at around 6 pm on June 20. The event is a pivotal moment for the region, showcasing progress and providing inspiration to young achievers, the PMO statement said.
On the occasion, the prime minister will inspect stalls and interact with the young achievers of Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, the PM will also distribute appointment letters to more than 2,000 persons appointed in government service, the statement said.