Security stepped up on the eve of Amarnath yatra

This year’s Amarnath Yatra starting from July 2 will come to an end on August 18 (Rakshabandhan). However, all arrangements including basic facilities and security are put in place by various agencies/ departments representing the state and central governments. 

In the backdrop of spurt in violence in the Kashmir Valley and rise in militancy related activities, security has been beefed up across the winter capital vis-a-vis at the base camp where hundreds of ‘yatris’ halt for a day or two before heading towards the Kashmir Valley to perform ‘yatra’ after completing mandatory formalities.

“Although threats are there but nothing to worry at all, as security arrangements are in place and we have taken extra precaution to avoid any untoward like incident,” a top police official here told UNI. 

He said that besides state police, para-military troops will be manning the 300-km stretch of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the vicinity of Kashmir Valley while Army is also on toes to defeat any nefarious designs from across the border. “There is a great synergy among all the security agencies, armed forces, police and para-military forces, who have put their best for the smooth conduct of yatra,” he asserted.

He further said that security personnel have been deployed around the base camp while hi-tech frisking gadgets have also been placed to keep track on any unwanted movement or object nearby.

“A batch of yatris will be escorted by the security personnel, team of doctors on way towards the Kashmir Valley,” he added

“We have directed our officers/Station House Officers to keep a watch on hotels and lodges in their respective jurisdiction and direct the owners to maintain record of every entrant,” he said, adding that anybody checking into a hotel, has to register his photo identity card with details besides an ‘aadhar’card. 

Moreover, the locals have been asked to register the names/details of their tenants to their nearby police station, he added.

He said security forces are on their toes to foil all nefarious designs of anti-nationals who try to disrupt the yatra. 

“All the measures like deployment, facilities to the yatris, security, national highway, have been studied at high level meetings,” he added and said that as there was rise in violence in Kashmir valley, security agencies were ready to face any challenge. 

“Pakistan’s intentions are not good as attempts of cross-border infiltration, militant making base in Jammu, disruption of yatra can be made but we are geared up to thwart their designs,” he opined. 

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Amarnath Shrine Board, on Wednesday conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Panjtarni route and thereafter visited Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Baltal yatra camps and the Check Barrier at Domel and reviewed preparations.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir for two days beginning Friday to review the security scenario there as well as arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, following a deadly terror attack on a CRPF convoy. 

During the tour, the home minister will attend a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, top civil, police and Army officers to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state, particularly after the Saturday’s attack in Pulwama district. 

The union minister is expected to be briefed about various steps being taken by the security agencies to tackle the militancy as well as infiltration from across the border, official sources said. The Home Ministry has already directed security forces to intensify vigil in the state in the wake of reports of increase in cross-border infiltration.