Srinagar, February 25 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan arrived here on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to the Kashmir Valley, during which he will attend the 21st convocation of the Kashmir University, officials said.
The Vice President was received by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior officials of the administration and police upon his arrival at the technical airport around 5 PM, officials said.
The Vice President's convoy drove to Lok Bhawan here, where he will be staying for the night, they said.
On Thursday, Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest at the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir here and will address the gathering on his first visit to Kashmir since assuming office.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid has been put in place for the Vice President's visit, including around the university campus in the Hazratbal area of the city, the officials said.
Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable locations, with heightened alertness maintained to counter potential terrorist threats. Checking and surveillance have been stepped up across the Valley, officials said.
Additional checkpoints have been set up at important entry points, especially around the city, and increased patrolling, area domination operations, and surprise inspections are being conducted along vital roadways to prevent any untoward incident, they said.
Vehicles are being randomly checked at entry and exit points of the city, especially on the roads leading to the university, the officials said.
Authorities have issued a public advisory for diverting traffic on a number of roads connecting the Kashmir University – the venue of the convocation.
Roads around the University, including Boulevard Road and Foreshore Road, have been sealed for the general public, the officials added.
Chief Minister Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed the Vice President's visit to Kashmir.
"Students are eagerly waiting to receive their degrees and medals from him. This is his first visit after assuming office and we welcome him," Abdullah told reporters here.
LG Sinha, who is also the Chancellor of the Kashmir University, will preside over the convocation, while Chief Minister Abdullah, who is also its Pro-Chancellor, will attend the convocation as the Guest of Honour.
A total of 59,558 degrees, which include 44,910 undergraduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 M.Phil and 620 Ph.Ds, shall be conferred during the convocation.