India, Sept. 2 -- Security was tightened in Srinagar on Wednesday as the BJP and ruling National Conference prepared to hold rival protests, with the BJP planning to gherao the Civil Secretariat and the NC announcing a counter protest outside the BJP office.

Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers at Lal Chowk and Jawahar Nagar to maintain law and order, officials said.

Roads leading to the BJP office in Jawahar Nagar were sealed to prevent any large gathering, while all entry points to Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk were closed to vehicles.

The BJP has asked its workers to assemble at Ghanta Ghar before marching towards the Civil Secretariat across the Budshah Bridge over the Jhelum.

The National Conference, meanwhile, ha...