President Patil visits Jammu under thick security cover

Jammu, May 26 (UNI) An unprecedented security cover, with armed police personnel guarding almost deserted city roads, was put in place during President Pratibha Patil's visit, who arrived here today on the final leg of her five-day tour to Jammu and Kashmir.

Common people in this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir were put to inconvenience due to barricades at several places. A curfew-like situation prevailed when the VVIP cavalcade passed through the city.

The President, who today arrived in Jammu after spending three days in Kashmir, took off for Bhaderwah at 1230 hrs where she formally inaugurated the extension campus of Jammu University for post-graduate students.

Ms Patil had to postpone her scheduled visit to Bhaderwah due to bad weather yesterday.

During her stay in the Kashmir valley, the Supreme Commander of the services visited the Army's forward posts at Tangdhar and Uri.

She also addressed troops at Baramulla besides enjoying the weekend at Gulmarg in Kashmir.

In the afternoon, Ms Patil addressed the convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) at the Zorawar Singh Auditoriumin Jammu University campus here.

Reportedly, there was no class work in the Jammu University today as the entire campus was put under thick security blanket.

Before leaving for Chandigarh on her way to Himachal Pradesh tomorrow, the President will visit the world famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Trikuta Hills of Katra, sources said.

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