More than 1.5 lakh people, 10,000 of them Muslims – 4,000 from the Kashmir valley -- backed by the vibrant social media campaign, will be rolling-out the red carpet for the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi amid tight security in Jammu on Sunday.

Four thousand Jammu and Kashmir policemen backed by the other forces will be providing security to the Lalkar rally which is Modi’s first in the temple city since he was made BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

For the first time 4,000 Muslims from the Kashmir valley would be joining Modi’s rally in Jammu. Led by Sofi Yousuf BJP’s Muslim face and provincial president, the Kashmiris would be leaving for the venue in a procession on Saturday, a day ahead of the Lalkar rally. “Our 4,000 strong contingent will include some moulanas as well. The way Kashmiri Muslims are expressing desire to listen to Modi is a manifestation of new thinking among people. I am getting calls from people seeking passes which shows Modi’s popularity”, Sofi told dna.

Muslims living in upper reaches and far-flung areas of Jammu region too are arriving in the temple city on Saturday. BJP has booked all dharmashals, lodges and inns in Jammu city to lodge around 10,000 people from these areas. “More than 10,000 people from upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch, Gool, Doda and other areas will reach Jammu on Saturday. Of whom 5,000 would be Muslims. We have made all arrangements for their boarding and lodging in Jammu,” said Vibodh Gupta, BJP state vice president.

Gupta noted that arrangements have been finalised for the rally to be held at MA Stadium Jammu. “Youth in Jammu and Kashmir wants change. Particularly Muslim youth pin hope on Modi who is dynamic leader and solve all problems,” he said.