Vice-Prez Radhakrishnan Arrives in Srinagar on Maiden J&K Visit

Convener News Desk

Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to the Kashmir Valley, during which he will attend the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, officials said.

The Vice President was received at the Technical Airport at around 5 pm by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior civil and police officials.

From the airport, the Vice President’s cavalcade proceeded to Lok Bhavan, where he will stay overnight.

On Thursday, Radhakrishnan will attend the University’s 21st convocation as chief guest and deliver the convocation address — his first official engagement in Kashmir since assuming office.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha, who is also Chancellor of the University, will preside over the ceremony, while Chief Minister Abdullah, the Pro-Chancellor, will attend as Guest of Honour.

A total of 59,558 degrees will be conferred during the convocation, including 44,910 undergraduate degrees, 13,545 postgraduate degrees, 461 MD/MS, four MCh, 18 MPhil and 620 PhDs.

Chief Minister Abdullah welcomed the Vice President’s visit, saying students were eagerly waiting to receive their degrees and medals from him. “This is his first visit after assuming office and we welcome him,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, authorities have put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid across Srinagar, particularly around the University campus in the Hazratbal area.

Security forces have been deployed at vulnerable locations, with heightened alertness maintained to counter potential threats. Checking and surveillance have been intensified across the Valley, officials said.

Additional checkpoints have been established at key entry points to the city, especially on roads leading to the University. Increased patrolling, area domination operations and surprise inspections are being carried out along vital roadways to prevent any untoward incident.

Vehicles are being subjected to random checks at entry and exit points of the city, particularly along routes connecting to the University campus.

Authorities have also issued a public advisory regarding traffic diversions, with roads around the University — including Boulevard Road and Foreshore Road — sealed for the general public during the event.