Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mukund Tibrewal on Sunday conducted a comprehensive on-foot security assessment of the Mata Vaishno Devi yatra track and the Bhawan area in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, a police spokesperson said. The review aimed to ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims who visit the shrine annually.
Security Audit of Sanjichhat and Helipad
During the assessment, SSP Tibrewal also visited the Sanjichhat area along the yatra track and conducted a security audit of the helipad and its surrounding perimeter to ensure the safety and security of helicopter operations. The helipad is a critical infrastructure point for pilgrims opting for aerial transport.
Accompanied by a team of officers, including Superintendent of Police Katra Kameshwar Puri and officials from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Tibrewal reviewed the entire security grid along the pilgrimage route. The multi-agency inspection underscored the importance of coordination among various security forces.
Ingress Points and Screening Procedures
The police spokesperson said the SSP closely inspected various ingress points along the yatra track and assessed the effectiveness of pilgrim screening, frisking procedures, and the operational readiness of baggage-scanning systems. He also reviewed the deployment and alertness of security personnel at key locations.
Tibrewal inspected the accommodation facilities of the security personnel deployed at the Bhawan and along the yatra track. He interacted with the jawans and reviewed their living conditions and welfare arrangements, the spokesperson added. The welfare of security personnel is considered vital for maintaining morale and vigilance.
Emphasis on Vigilance During Summer Influx
The SSP told all deployed personnel to maintain the highest level of vigilance in view of the increased pilgrim influx during the summer vacation. He stressed the need for regular and effective patrolling along the yatra route, particularly during odd hours, to maintain a strong deterrent against any nefarious designs of anti-national elements (ANEs).
The officer also emphasized the importance of constant vigilance, seamless coordination among all stakeholders, and regular security audits to effectively address emerging challenges and maintain a secure environment for the millions of devotees visiting the holy shrine every year. The Vaishno Devi shrine, located in the Trikuta hills of Reasi, attracts a large number of pilgrims, especially during peak seasons, making security reviews a recurring priority.
