C P Radhakrishnan to attend KU Convocation as Chief Guest
Multi-layered security arrangements in place
Traffic Police issues advisory
Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice President (VP) of India C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening on his maiden two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities putting in place elaborate security and traffic arrangements across the city to ensure a smooth programme.
A business Boeing aircraft carrying the Vice President touched down at Srinagar Airport amid heightened security measures. He was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps of the Army, and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat.
Soon after his arrival, the Vice President proceeded in a secured cavalcade to the Raj Bhawan at Chashma Shahi, where he will stay during his visit. This marks his first trip to the Union Territory after assuming office.
On Thursday, Radhakrishnan is scheduled to attend the 21st Convocation of the University of Kashmir at its Hazratbal campus as the Chief Guest. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the Chancellor of the university, while the Chief Minister is its Pro-Chancellor.
Authorities said that comprehensive security arrangements were put in place well in advance of the visit. A senior police officer described the measures as part of standard protocol for VVIP movement. “Whenever there is a VVIP visit, elaborate security arrangements are made. This time also, we have ensured tight security to facilitate the smooth conduct of the programme,” the officer said.
Earlier in the day, security forces conducted extensive frisking and checking operations at several locations in Srinagar as a precautionary measure. Officials termed the exercise routine, carried out ahead of high-profile visits, to maintain public safety and order.
The Traffic Police also issued a detailed advisory to regulate vehicular movement on Thursday between 7 am and 2 pm, coinciding with the university function. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Srinagar City, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, said that while no blanket restrictions have been imposed, several cut-off points and diversions will be activated as required.
According to the advisory, traffic from Habak, Zakura, and Gulab Bagh will be diverted via Malla Bagh toward Lal Bazar or Soura. Vehicles from Dal Gate will not be permitted to move via Brein or Nishat Chowk and will instead be routed through Mamta Crossing and the Khanyar stretch. Commuters heading toward Gupkar will also follow the same diversion. Traffic from Nishat and Shalimar will be redirected via the Tailbal route.
The restrictions will apply to all categories of vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, and are expected to remain in place for four to five hours. However, authorities assured that ambulances, medical emergencies, and students appearing in UGC examinations will be facilitated upon producing valid proof.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has kept 15 fire tenders on standby as part of contingency planning during the Vice President’s stay.
As Srinagar readies itself for the high-profile academic ceremony at Hazratbal, the visit underscores the Centre’s continued engagement with Jammu and Kashmir’s institutional and civic landscape, with security forces and civil administration working in tandem to ensure an incident-free event.
