With just two days remaining until the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have meticulously reviewed the security arrangements for this year's pilgrimage.
The enhanced security measures follow the June 9 terror attack on a pilgrim bus in Reasi, which resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including the driver and conductor, and left more than 33 others injured.
Subsequent attacks in Kathua and Doda further underscored the need for stringent security, with one CRPF trooper and two militants killed, alongside injuries to one civilian and six security personnel.
In response to these threats, Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-security meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, directing the security forces to adopt a robust anti-terror policy.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also emphasised the importance of an incident-free Yatra, stressing coordinated efforts among various security and administrative agencies.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi, on June 25 held a meeting in Srinagar to review the Yatra arrangements. Attendees included senior police officers, SSPs from all districts of Kashmir Zone, and other key security officials. The IGP Vidhi Kumar Birdi was briefed via a PowerPoint presentation on the security plan and coordinated efforts to handle potential operational, natural, and man-made disasters.
He highlighted the priority of ensuring the secure movement of pilgrims, with strict patrolling and monitoring along highways. He also reviewed the deployment of road opening parties and stressed the need for night dominations to prevent untoward incidents.
Among other measures, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South and Central Kashmir were instructed to assess high-density counter operations to ensure comprehensive security coverage. Mock drills based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were ordered to evaluate their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
The IGP stressed the importance of robust security measures at all camping sites, including installing CCTV cameras and ensuring adequate manpower.
In a separate review meeting, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law & Order, Vijay Kumar, impressed upon the need for waterproof clothing for Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) and highlighted the importance of proper gear and fitness for effective rescue operations.
He also reviewed the training status of the teams and stressed the importance of well-rehearsed manoeuvres in disaster situations.
Preparations for the Yatra are near completion, with snow removal operations focused on key areas along the Pahalgam route. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is maintaining the routes, and a new 100-bed hospital has been constructed in Baltal and Chandanwari. A six-story Yatri Niwas is being built in Srinagar to accommodate pilgrims. In addition, 125 Langars are setting up food and supply stations along the routes.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed confidence in the capabilities of the police and security forces to ensure a safe pilgrimage. He urged the local population to uphold their tradition of supporting the Yatra, hoping for a smoother and more successful pilgrimage this year. "Peaceful and smooth pilgrimage helps create a good image of J&K in the country and the world," he said.
