Srinagar, June 29: In preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, stringent security arrangements have been put in place across Jammu and Kashmir. Additional security personnel have been deployed along major highways and vital road links to prevent any untoward incidents, according to officials.
A senior police officer informed Rising Kashmir that all necessary security arrangements have been completed in anticipation of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence from July 1 until August 31.
“Troop deployment has been finalized along highways and key junctions. Multiple checkpoints have been established along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway to monitor and track the movement of commuters. Stringent frisking procedures have been intensified at major spots along the highway,” the officer stated.
To ensure swift response capabilities, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will be deployed alongside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) near the Amarnath Yatra Cave this year, as announced by the official. Special teams have been assigned to monitor drone activity along the Yatra routes and base camps, with round-the-clock patrolling conducted by armed forces personnel during the daytime. Additionally, Mobile Bunker Vehicles (MBVs) equipped with 360-degree cameras will be utilized for surveillance purposes.
The officer further emphasized that pilgrim vehicles will not be permitted to mingle with civilian vehicles, and specific timings will be allocated for pilgrim vehicles on all routes. Paramilitary vehicles will escort the Yatra convoys along both routes.
In addition to the deployment of dog squads, counter-IED equipment, vehicle repair teams, and recovery teams will ensure smooth movement of the pilgrim convoys. Aerial surveillance will be conducted by Army helicopters and drones throughout the yatra, the officer revealed.
Ramesh Kumar, commandant of the 137th battalion in Udhampur, assured Rising Kashmir that a Special Dog Squad has been stationed at various locations along the 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar highway. “We are here to ensure the safety of the pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra. Pilgrims have nothing to fear. We are working diligently,” he affirmed.
In preparation for the Amarnath Yatra, a mock drill was conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and police. The drill, supervised by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh, aimed to evaluate security arrangements and logistical requirements for the yatris.
SSP Samba Benam Tosh stated that all necessary arrangements have been finalized in the district. He urged officers to remain vigilant and maintain close communication to counter any anti-national or anti-social elements during the pilgrimage.
The security preparations have been completed in Kathua, Udhampur, Samba, Ramban, Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, and Ganderbal districts.
During a joint meeting at the Police Control Room in Jammu, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh emphasized the importance of close coordination among all officers to ensure a safe and incident-free yatra. DGP Singh instructed officers to deploy drones and other necessary tools for enhanced security monitoring of the yatris.
