Unprecedented security measures including electronic surveillance all along the yatra route and access control arrangements have been put in place for the Amarnath yatra, which will begin on June 29.
This year’s Amarnath yatra has seen senior police officials intensify security measures following Jammu terror attacks that included one where a bus carrying pilgrims to Shiv Khori Shrine was hit.
“Considering that in recent times terrorists have shown their desperation to continue being in limelight by killing innocent pilgrims, we are not taking any chances,” said the officer.
For the annual pilgrimage, thousands of security personnel drawn from police, CRPF, ITBP and other para-military forces have been deployed to ensure foolproof security.
Apart from the adequate deployment of security forces at Yatra Camps, they have decided to do aerial surveillance of entire Yatra area and also deploy spotters to watch against any unwanted activities and suspicious elements.
According to official sources, as part of these measures, national highway from Qazigund going towards Pahalgam and Baltal base camps is under CCTV surveillance Cameras.
“They said movements of all Yatri related vehicles would be continuously monitored.”
On Monday Kashmir Zone Police chief VK Birdi visited different parts of Srinagar district as part of his overall assessment exercise pertaining to the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra – 2024 preparations and took stock of various Security measures put in place. He advised all concerned officers/staff members/field units for maintaining strict vigilance towards ensuring stern Security coverages/protection/monitoring/prompt response/security patrolling etc. So as to ward off any potential threats besides providing best possible public services to devotees/yatris during this period.
Patrolling should also involve well trained personnel who should check roads for smooth movement during time when there is a lot traffic coming through them hence offering comfort for the journeying worshippers.
The IGP Birdi also stressed the need for identifying areas for improvement, and directed officers to ensure robust dominations at night time to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, traffic authorities have issued an advisory for Amarnath yatra.
“In view of the forthcoming Shri Amar Nath Ji Yatra-2024, the administration has decided to impose certain restrictions on traffic plying on different routes. These restrictions will be in force between 28/06/2024 and 19/08/2024,” an official spokesman said.
Starting Thursday, special traffic advisories will be issued daily by the Traffic department.
He requested that people including tourists and yatris strictly follow these instructions so as not to create any unnecessary inconvenience during their journeying.”
Largely peaceful over years, there had been only four militant strikes in Amarnath yatra. With one each happening in 2000, 2002 and 2017 resulting in deaths of 45 pilgrims and dozens injured.
