Namrup has been transformed into a fortress ahead of PM Modi’s visit

Jorhat: Namrup in Assam has turned into a high-security zone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the industrial township on December 21 to lay the foundation stone of a major fertiliser project at the Namrup Fertilizer Plant.

Authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel across the town, while the Indian Air Force has kept three helicopters on standby near the programme venue. IAF teams conducted multiple landing drills throughout Friday at a temporary helipad constructed near the site.

Assam Police have intensified security preparations and held a series of high-level meetings to finalise the arrangements. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order and Communication) Akhilesh Singh is leading the reviews. Security agencies have also set up multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the venue, significantly restricting movement.

The upcoming fertilizer project, estimated at ?10,000 crore, will draw 60% funding from the Centre and 40% from the Assam government. Once completed, the plant will produce 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer annually.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the project will make Assam self-reliant in fertilizer production and enable supply to other parts of the country. Prime Minister Modi also said the Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited’s Ammonia-Urea project will reduce imports and strengthen Atmanirbharta.

Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Bora and Naharkatiya MLA Tarang Gogoi visited Namrup on Friday to review preparations. Bora said the joint venture involving Oil India and National Fertilizers Limited will be completed within 48 months and will mark a new phase of Assam’s industrial growth.

However, local protests have emerged as residents alleged crop damage due to land acquisition for the Prime Minister’s rally ground. Tarang Gogoi said officials held discussions with the affected farmers and released compensation. He added that authorities will return the land after the event and will facilitate re-cultivation or provide further compensation if required.

Authorities expect over one lakh people to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony. Security forces have increased vigilance across Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Charaideo districts ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.