J&K CM Omar Abdullah reviews the preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, at Sonmarg in Ganderbal on January 11, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Security arrangements were further tightened in Kashmir on Saturday (January 11, 2025) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid a visit to the project on Saturday to have a first hand account of the arrangements made for the inauguration ceremony.
Mr. Abdullah inspected the tunnel tubes and expressed his appreciation for their efforts in completing this vital infrastructure, officials said. He also visited the venue where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation. The strategic 6.4-km tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway will keep Sonamarg open to tourists round the year and is also touted as a major milestone to connect the Kashmir valley with Ladakh.
“The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter and the travel time to Kargil and Leh from Srinagar will also reduce. It would not only ensure all-weather connectivity to Sonmarg but also supplement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports destination, unlocking new avenues for tourism and economic growth,” Mr. Abdullah said.
Mr. Abdullah also posted pictures of the tunnel on X. In response to Mr. Abdullah’s post on X, PM Modi said, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!”
Three behind grenade attack held
Security has been stepped up in Kashmir ahead of the PM’s visit, his first since an elected government took over the reins of the U.T.
Additional checkpoints have been set up in the Valley and vehicles are being searched. Security agencies have also started “actively acting on tip-offs” about the presence of militants.
The Jammu & Kashmir Police on Saturday said it arrested three persons in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The police said the arrested persons were allegedly behind a grenade attack on Army’s 163 Battalion camp in Hamray, Pattan on January 7 in Baramulla district.
The police said arms and ammunition recovered during the operation included one pistol, one grenade, 21 pistol rounds, one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 256 rounds of AK-47 bullets.
“The arrested individuals included a surrendered militant, the son of a surrendered militant, and a narcotics peddler,” Feroz Yahya, Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, said.
On January 10, the Army busted a hideout and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in north Kashmir’s Kupwara. On January 8, the Army arrested one person and recovered one AK rifle, four AK magazines, 120 rounds, two hand grenades and other war-like stores in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.
Published – January 11, 2025 10:08 pm IST