Amarnath Yatra: Security arrangements in place, pilgrimage to resume after 2 yrs

Around 7-8 lakh yatries are expected to attend the Amarnath Yatra after a gap of two years and all necessary security measures have been taken to ensure their safety

With a day left for the Amarnath Yatra to begin, high level security is in place across Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrimage resumes after two years and the presence of a three-level security will ensure smooth pilgrimage for the yatris in the entire route including mountains in the south and central Kashmir.

A three-level security will ensure a smooth pilgrimage for the yatries. (HT file photo)

For the past one week, top officials have been engaged in a series of meetings to ensure the safe passage of the yatra.

Organisers are expecting around 7-8 lakh yatries from across the country.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar on Tuesday visited the holy cave and Yatri camp Panjtarni to take stock of the situation.

“IGP held security review meeting with officers from Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, JKP, NDRF and civil administration. Later, the IGP physically inspected deployment of forces on the ground and instructed for better coordination and joint efforts to achieve incident free and smooth yatra,” a police spokesperson said.

On Monday, Kumar had visited Anantnag and chaired the final joint security review meeting in which top police officers along with senior army officers were present.

Kumar highlighted the eminent threat from terrorists and stressed for strengthening the intelligence grid so as to neutralise them.

“He (Kumar) discussed the other threat perceptions for Yatra as well as tourists and emphasised for establishment of a proper security grid,” J&K police spokesperson said adding that district-wise security review and stock of arrangements put in place for yatra were discussed especially four districts of south Kashmir, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag.

“The senior officers of Army and other security forces also presented detailed presentation and shared their valuable inputs and suggestions for strengthening the overall security grid and providing fool proof security cover to the yatries during their forward and return journey,” the spokesman said.

The officers said special focus is laid on regular briefing and de-briefing, cut-off timings, elimination of threat of sticky bombs, Improvised Electronic Devices (IEDs), grenade lobbing and drone attacks.

“Security of parking areas, traffic management, Road Opening Party (ROP) for implementation of SOPs,” the spokesperson said adding that IGP Kashmir emphasized that multiple checking points must be established for restricting un-registered yatries to reach to base camp to avoid chaotic situations.”

The officials added that this time, the number of security personnel has increased in comparison to previous years.

The yatra will begin on June 30.