By NNN-PTI,
Srinagar, India : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh begins his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir today amid tight security to inaugurate two prestigious projects –a train service in the valley and a hydel power station.
Separatists meanwhile have given a call for a “civil curfew” on Saturday to coincide with Singh’s visit to the Kashmir valley.
The Prime Minister will arrive at the IAF base in Udhampur in Jammu region this afternoon from where he would fly to Doda district to declare open the 450 MW Baglihar power project built over river Chenab.
“The hydropower project has been completed and is ready to produce electricity. It will be commissioned by the Prime Minister today. It’s like a dream come true,” state Power Secretary Sandeep Naik told PTI.
The venue, where the Prime Minister will also be holding a public rally, was being guarded by Army, para-military forces and the local police. Aerial surveillance was being mounted for the prime ministerial visit.
This is the third power project commissioned in the border state on river Chenab and the second by Singh this year. Earlier, he commissioned the 360 MW Dulhasti project in Kishtwar on April 26, 2008.
This project was conceived in 1992, approved in 1996 and construction began in 1999. It will have installed capacity of 900 MW when completed. The project is estimated to cost one billion US dollars.
Later, the Prime Minister will fly to Srinagar where he would meet leaders of various political parties including National Conference, Congress, PDP, CPM and Panthers Party.
Ahead of the visit, the Coordination Committee of Separatists has announced a “civil curfew” on Saturday during the Prime Minister while maintaining that “packages” will not help resolve the Kashmir issue.