Katra, May 20: With the onset of the summer holidays in many states across the country, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board which is anticipating the burgeoning of devotees at the Holy Shrine over the next couple of months is gearing up with the foolproof measures to ensure the best pilgrimage experience to the visiting devotees.
The Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Garg, stated that as summer holidays are inches closer in the country and the Shrine being a tourist destination is expecting a heavy influx of devotees at the Holy Shrine besides at the base camp Katra.
He stressed for action on diverse fronts for hassle free pilgrimage during coming days, including issuance and verification of RFID cards, effective crowd management, augmentation of holding areas on the track and in Katra town, working out plans for decongestion of the entire track, particularly the Bhawan area, separation of entry, exit routes at Bhawan and all time surveillance through dedicated CCTV network of over 700 cameras.
“All agencies deployed at all entry points should remain more vigilant so that no yatri without frisking and registration enters the track for their pilgrimage,” he said.
He further stressed the security agencies and other stakeholders upon verification and census of pony porters besides any suspicious element on the track. The Chief Executive Officer also reviewed in detail various components of the Disaster Management measures including fire fighting preparedness to ensure quick and most effective response from all stakeholders in wake of any emergent situation. Besides, directed for regular announcements for the decongestion of the crowd on the track.
Later, SSP, JKP highlighted major challenges for the deployed security forces in coming days for managing the expected influx of pilgrims. He briefed that ample deployment of forces is already in place and beat system is prevailing at Bhawan in coordination with SMVDSB and other security agencies on the track to ensure fool-proof security and effective Yatra management, besides multi-tier security grid comprising police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of security and operational preparedness of the Shrine area, Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, presided over a meeting with security agencies today at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra.
The meeting was attended by SSP, JKP, Reasi; SP, Katra; Commandant, CRPF; Jt. Chief Executive Officers, SMVDSB; Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan & Katra; Dy. Director, Subsidiary IB; Asstt. Chief Executive Officers, SMVDSB; Asstt. Director, Fire & Emergency Services; SDPO Katra & Bhawan and other officers from IB, CID, Army, SMVDSB and intelligence agencies.
Success, security of Indo-Pacific crucial for whole world: PM Modi’s address to Quad amid China threat
Hiroshima, May 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the importance of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a group of four countries – US, Australia, India, and Japan) while addressing concerns over Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
Addressing Quad leaders US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, PM Modi said, “There is no doubt at all about the fact that the Indo-Pacific region is the engine for global trade, innovation and development. We agree that the security and success of the Indo-Pacific is important, not just for this region, but, for the entire world.” He also said that Quad has emerged as a key platform to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the coalition is moving forward on the basis of constructive agenda and democratic principles.
“With united efforts, we are giving practical dimension to our vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” he said.
“We are moving forward with a constructive agenda based on shared democratic values through our shared efforts. We are giving a practical dimension to our vision – strategic technologies, reliable supply chain, health security, maritime security, counter-terrorism and constructive partnership is growing. Many countries and groupings are announcing the vision for Indo-Pacific. In today’s Summit, we will get a chance to discuss the inclusion of the entire region and people-centric development,” added PM Modi at the Quad Summit in Hiroshima.
PM Modi said that he was very pleased to be taking part in this Quad Summit and to be among friends. “The Quad group has established itself as an important platform for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
PM Modi also said that India is willing to host the next Quad Summit in 2024.
“We will be happy to host the Quad summit in India in 2024,” PM Modi said in the opening remarks of the Quad meeting held on the sidelines of a Group of Seven Summit (G-7) meeting in the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
It was originally scheduled to take place in Sydney on May 24. However, it was decided to hold the Quad summit in Hiroshima after President Biden called off his trip to Australia.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was delighted to be among close friends again.
“Standing together for an open, stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. A region where sovereignty is respected and all countries large and small benefit from the regional balance that keeps the peace, respect for the leadership of regional institutions, including ASEAN, the Pacific Island Forum and the Indian Ocean RIM Association is central to our approach,” said Albanese.
“I am proud to stand with my Quad partners in Hiroshima today. Together we will seize the opportunities ahead of us, and use our collective strengths to meet the challenges we face,” tweeted Albanese.
He also said that Quad will be releasing a vision statement tonight.
“Our vision statement that we will release tonight sets out the principles for our engagement in the region. Through the Quad’s …practical agenda we are taking actions to address shared challenges. Together we are leveraging a collective strength and offering support to the region which will be enhanced by the outcomes we hope to agree on tonight,” said Albanese.
“Our shared vision for an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific will help us build a better future for our people and the region. I look forward to strengthening our partnership,” he added. (ANI)
