Dr Farooq seeks strong safety, security measures for Shri Amarnath pilgrims

Srinagar, June 27: President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday implored the government to implement robust measures to ensure the safety and security of Shri Amarnath Ji yatris this year.
Highlighting the critical need for security, Dr Farooq said it should not come at the expense of the general public. “The stakes are high. The government must ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the Amarnath Yatra.”
He said, “There is a pressing need to strike a balance so that security measures don’t throw a wrench in normal public transportation and the emergency services. The issue of restrictions on civilian vehicles along the Amarnath Yatra routes should be addressed as it’s impacting on tourism in the Kashmir Valley, especially during the underway peak season. Let’s make sure both the pilgrims and the local businesses can thrive during this sacred time.”
The NC chief also advocated for the implementation of well-coordinated strategies to effectively handle the anticipated surge in pilgrims, including traffic control, parking arrangements, emergency response protocols, sufficient medical facilities, and disaster management plans to address any health-related issues or emergencies that may arise during the pilgrimage.
Highlighting the critical need to prioritise the safety and well-being of pilgrims, Dr Abdullah urged the government to implement comprehensive emergency and safety measures for yatris to prevent a repeat of last year’s tragic incident, where a number of pilgrims lost their lives due to flashfloods caused by a cloudburst near the Amarnath Cave shrine.