Bhaderwah town turns into mini citadel

Bhaderwah, J&K, May 21 (UNI) Foolproof security arrangements are underway for President Pratibha Patil's scheduled visit to this picturesque town in Doda district to inaugurate a Jammu University campus on May 25.

Security agencies have tightened vigil in the surrounding areas with the township turning into a mini cantonment.

''Multi-tier security cover would be provided to the President when she arrives here on May 25 for the inauguration ceremony,'' a senior police official said.

The venue and surrounding areas have been sanitised and security forces, including troops from Army, CRPF and police mantaining constant vigil, the official said.

Security forces have completed area domination exercise, the official said, revealing that additional deployment of police and CRPF has been made in Bhaderwah, A Special Protection Group (SPG) team also reviewed the security arrangements today, sources said.

Bhaderwah, which was known as hub of militancy, is the hometown of Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad.

Ms Patil, the supreme commander of Indian armed forces, is scheduled to arrive in J&K on May 23.

Accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Gen Deepak Kapoor, the President will also attend a function with soldiers posted in a forward district of Kashmir valley, sources said.

UNI XC/VJ SB NS1904