Unprecedented security arrangments on PM's visit to Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 9 (UNI) Unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the Kashmir valley, particularly in the central Kashmir district of Badgam where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off the first train on Saturday.

Security forces guarding vital installations, and in the areas where minority community members are residing in the valley have been put on high alert to foil any attempt by militants to carry out attacks.

A UNI correspondent, who visited the Srinagar Railway station at Nowgam, about 10 km from here today, saw railway and other officials busy giving finals touches to arrangements being made for the PM's visit.

Security force wearing bulletproof jackets and holding automatic weapons could be seen guarding the railway tracks from both sides, 48 hours before Dr Singh would board the train as a symbolic gesture from Nowgam station, which is a being considered most modern in the country.

Official sources said Dr Singh will arrive tomorrow in the afternoon from Jammu, where he is scheduled to inaugurate the 450 MW Baglihar Hydroelectric Project in Doda region tomorrow.

Besides Railway Protection Force (RPF), CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel have been deployed on both sides of the track from Srinagar station to Badgam.

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