Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel; forces intensify area domination

Srinagar, PTI: The security forces on Sunday intensified sanitization efforts and area domination exercise in Kashmir, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the valley for inauguration of the strategically important ZMorh tunnel in Ganderbal district, officials said. The deployment of security personnel has been increased in the vulnerable areas and dozens of checkpoints have been set up at important intersections in various districts to ensure that anti-national elements are not able to move around freely, they said.

The officials said that random checking and frisking of people and vehicles, including two-wheelers, has been intensified while patrolling is also taking place. "Security has been tightened near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place and the PM's security team, comprising the SPG personnel, has taken over the venue," they said. The prime minister is likely to address a public rally after the inauguration of the tunnel at Gagangir, the officials said, adding the venue is now off-limits for the public. Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and the Army are part of the security apparatus for Monday's inauguration.

Extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols are being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event, the officials said. The sharpshooters have been deployed at vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, including through drones, is also being undertaken. The area is being monitored roundthe- clock, they added. Earlier on October 20 last year, seven people, including a local doctor, were killed in a terrorist attack near the tunnel site in the Gagangir area.