Vigilance with multi-dimensional plan intensified for Yatra: ADGP, Jammu
Search operation continued in dense forests
Srinagar, June 10: In the aftermath of the deadly Reasi bus terror attack, extensive security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming AmarnathYatra, set to begin on June 29, officials reported on Monday.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi, issued the directions at a security review meeting held here in view of upcoming festivals and the AmarnathYatra. It was attended by deputy inspector generals of police, district police chiefs and other senior officers.
During the meetingm the district police chiefs briefed the IGP about the overall security scenario and the preparations put in place for upcoming events.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ganderbal, gave a detailed briefing regarding the upcoming KheerBhawaniMela and preparations for the AmarnathYatra which is scheduled to begin later this month.
Officers also gave details about the security arrangements for mela, which, besides Ganderbal, is also held at various temples across the Kashmir Valley.
Issues related to law and order, crowd management, traffic control, ensuring the overall safety of devotees were also discussed. The security arrangements for the peaceful observance of the upcoming Eid-Ul-Adha were also discussed.
The IGP-Kashmir directed the officers to maintain strict surveillance over the anti-social and anti-national elements using drones and CCTV’s and also establish round the clock cutoff and check points.
Birdi also reiterated the need to enhance the anti-terrorist grid by generating specific intelligence and to intensify cordon and search operations as well as anti-terrorist operations in all the districts.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, Anand Jain, informed Rising Kashmir that comprehensive security arrangements are established for the AmarnathYatra 2024. “We will ensure robust security arrangements and adequate facilities for pilgrims during their stay at the YatriNiwas in Jammu and other areas. Joint control rooms have been set up for better coordination among all agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra,” he said.
ADGP Jain briefed district SPs and Range DIsG on the necessary arrangements, stating that plans are being finalized at all levels. “During a recent meeting at PCR Jammu, detailed discussions were held regarding the deployment of CAPF manpower provided by PHQ for SANJY-2024 and their distribution across the five districts of Jammu province and PCR Jammu,” he added.
Deployment plans were finalized to address any contingencies in the Jammu Zone districts, including Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi. Strong Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and Road Opening Parties (ROPs) will be deployed, along with foolproof arrangements at reception centers, langars, and assistance booths. “We have directed all district SSPs to ensure the optimum use of available resources to facilitate the smooth conduct of the yatra,” ADGP Jain emphasized.
On Monday, ADGP Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, along with security personnel, visited the site where a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by terrorists in Reasi. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to 33 others, officials said. In response to the attack, a round-the-clock helpline has been established by the District Administration to provide information and assistance to the victims of the tragic bus incident at Kanda, Ransoo, Reasi. Additional security measures, including CCTV cameras, drones, and other monitoring tools, are being implemented to ensure the security of the pilgrims.
A new security plan has been formulated to adhere to protocols and regulate the yatra efficiently.
Security forces, including the Army, police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have laid a multi-dimensional cordon around the Teryath-Poni-Shiv Khori area bordering Rajouri district. Armed with surveillance equipment such as drones and sniffer dogs, a massive combing operation has begun in the area and its surroundings.
“The entire forest belt is still under a tight security cordon to neutralize the terrorists. The area is mountainous, and the forest is dense, making the operation difficult and dangerous,” officials said.
Divisional Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri was unavailable for comment on the issue.
Earlier, on May 6, one Air Force (IAF) personnel was killed and four others injured after terrorists ambushed their convoy near Shahsitar in Poonch, using US-made M4 rifles and AK-47s to carry out the attack.
