NEWS

Srinagar all set for Inter-State Council Meet

By Onkar Singh in Srinagar
August 27, 2003 03:20 IST

There is no link between the twin blasts in Mumbai and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir beginning Wednesday, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Gopal Sharma told rediff.com

Complete coverage of Mumbai blasts

But the lack of a link, said Sharma, would not mean any lowering of guard by the security forces in the valley.

"Yes, it is true that they (blasts) have taken place on the eve of prime minister's visit and this is something we cannot overlook. As people concerned with the security arrangement of the prime minister and other dignitaries who would be in Srinagar (to participate in the Inter State Council Meet) we have to keep our arrangements flexible and dynamic," he said.

Sharma said inputs of the intelligence agencies have also been taken into account.

According to him 25 chief ministers have confirmed their participation in the meet.

Seventeen thousand officers and men of the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with paramilitary forces have been placed in high alert.

Sharp shooters have been posted around the venue -- Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre -- and the route to be taken by the prime minister and chief ministers.

Though Sharma is happy with the security arrangements, he is keeping his fingers crossed. "We are confident that we would be able to see through this major event without a flutter," he said.

Onkar Singh in Srinagar

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