Commuters, schoolchildren bear brunt of Modi’s visit

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16

Commuters had a tough time following the unprecedented security measures adopted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in the city today.

“Every time there is movement of political leaders it is the common man who suffers. Today, I reached office little late,” said Ankit Sharma, who works with a private telecom company.

Keeping in view the VIP movement, the authorities had diverted traffic on some of the city routes to allow free movement of the Prime Minister’s motorcade.

Worst hit were the schoolchildren as they had to wait in their schools till the conclusion of the rally, forcing parents to reach the educational institutions to pick their wards.

The contingents of CRPF and state police were deployed in strength throughout the city and its outskirts. The authorities had also taken special measures to screen the people attending the rally at the MA Stadium.

There was frequent frisking and checking at many places in the city.

Some of the motorists were caught in long traffic jams at the New Plot, Bus Stand and the Canal Road. “I had an interview at 11 am but was caught in the traffic jam. I reached the venue late and had to explain the delay,” said Vaibav Gupta, an engineer.