SRINAGAR, India, March 7, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi isto hold a rally in main city of Indian-administrated Kashmir on Thursday, onhis first visit since the disputed region's semi-autonomy was cancelled in2019. Modi's government stripped the Muslim-majority territory of its specialconstitutional status, splitting the former state into two territoriesdirectly ruled from New Delhi. Thousands of armed police and paramilitary forces were deployed, and newcheckpoints set up across Kashmir's main city Srinagar, where the Hindunationalist leader is scheduled to address a public gathering around midday. A government statement said Modi will also inaugurate infrastructure aroundthe revered Muslim shrine of Hazratbal. The visit comes ahead of India's national elections due by May, the firstsince the region lost its autonomy.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 07, 2024 11:29 UTC