Top Army, Police officers relish street food, interact with locals in Srinagar
Youngsters took opportunity to shake hands, selfies with officers
Tariq Bhat
Srinagar, March 12: The Army’s Northern Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who is on a three-day visit to the Kashmir, on Friday visited the commercial hub of Lal Chowk here to enjoy street food.
In a viral video captured by commuters, Dwivedi can be seen smiling while interacting with snack sellers. In return, the snack sellers at roadside welcome him with smile and asks him what he would like to take.
In a gesture which connects top Armed Forces officials with citizens of Srinagar and in particular youth, Dwivedi, GOC Chinar Corps Lt Gen D P Pandey, Inspector General Police Vijay Kumar, Srinagar Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Balwal along with other army and police officials paid a surprise visit to the historic Lal Chowk on Friday evening.
Some youngsters and other commuters also took selfies with the officers.
“It was an honour to shake hands with Army’s Northern Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Inspector General Police Vijay Kumar during their visit to street vendor where they enjoyed the evening snacks,” said Altaf Ahmad, a commuter who was also relishing street food when officers arrived.
He added that impromptu visit took everyone present at Lal Chowk by surprise as Army’s top brass joined by police and civilian officials were seen having evening fish snacks at a kiosk of Kashmiri youth.
“The mood was ecstatic and exhilarating for Srinagar citizens as they have never saw seen such unexpected interaction where top generals are having fish kebabs alongwith civilians during evening hours in a jovial manner reflecting their approach to establish connect with commoners,” said a group of youngsters who also took this opportunity to shake hands with officers and take selfies with them.
Interacting with the vendor of the kiosk, Lt Gen Pandey said: “I am very happy to see you smiling. It has been a long time since I saw a Kashmiri youth smiling. I wish you well.”
Lt Gen Dwivedi was seen enjoying the moments and urging the accompanying security personnel to have some snacks at the roadside stall.
