Northern Army Commreviews operational readiness for Yatra

Srinagar, June 28: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar reviewed the operational readiness and security measures for the annual Amarnathyatra in Kashmir valley on Friday.
In a post on X, the Army’s Northern Command Spokesman said that, “LtGen MV SuchindraKumar, Army CdrNC, accompanied by GOC Chinarcorps IA, reviewed the operational readiness and security measures taken in view of ShriAmarnathjiYatra 2024.”
The Northern Army Commander praised the increase in operational tempo and the prophylactic security measures implemented by formations deployed along the hinterland.
The first batch of the Amarnathyatra, consisting of 4,603 pilgrims, reached the Kashmir valley on Friday amid stringent security arrangements.
Local Muslims, along with senior officials of the police and civil administration, welcomed the yatris at several locations upon their arrival.
Earlier, the first batch was flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp early in the morning by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Later, Lt Gen Kumar, accompanied by GOC Chinar Corps Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, reviewed the operational readiness and security measures undertaken by the Army’s Dagger Division in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
The annual pilgrimage will commence on Saturday (June 29) and conclude on August 19, spanning 52 days.
The yatris from the Baltal and Nunwan base camps in Ganderbal and Anantnag districts, respectively, will begin their journey on the morning of June 29.
The yatra can be undertaken through two routes, the traditional 48-km route through Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
Meanwhile, CCTV cameras and drones have been placed to monitor the pilgrimage throughout the twin routes to avert any security threat to the Yatris.