Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat conducted a review of security arrangements in Jammu and Udhampur districts for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The DGP directed officers to maintain high vigilance to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year.
Review Meeting and Key Directives
During the review, DGP Prabhat assessed the deployment of security personnel, traffic management plans, and coordination with other agencies. He emphasized the need for strict surveillance along the yatra routes and at halting points. The DGP also reviewed contingency measures for any potential threats, including natural disasters or militant activities.
According to a police spokesperson, the DGP instructed officers to conduct regular patrols and set up checkpoints to monitor movement. He also stressed the importance of community engagement to gather intelligence and build trust with local residents.
Security Preparations Underway
The Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin in July, involves a challenging trek to the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with paramilitary forces, have been tasked with ensuring the safety of pilgrims. The DGP’s review comes as part of the annual security drill, which includes mock drills and coordination with the Indian Army.
In Jammu, security arrangements focus on the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, where pilgrims register and begin their journey. In Udhampur, the focus is on the highway routes leading to the yatra base camps. The DGP also reviewed the deployment of bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs at key locations.
Traffic and Crowd Management
Traffic management is a critical component of the security plan. The DGP directed officers to ensure smooth vehicular movement and prevent congestion, especially at narrow stretches. He also ordered the establishment of temporary parking areas and the use of technology to monitor traffic flow in real time.
The police have also set up helplines and control rooms for pilgrims to report emergencies. The DGP urged officers to be courteous and helpful to devotees, ensuring a positive experience despite the security measures.
Previous Incidents and Lessons Learned
The review also took into account past incidents, including the 2017 attack on a bus carrying pilgrims, which resulted in casualties. The DGP stressed the need for intelligence-led policing and proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents. He also highlighted the importance of coordination between district police, the CRPF, and the Army.
According to the spokesperson, the DGP expressed confidence in the preparations but urged officers to remain alert. The pilgrimage is expected to see a high turnout this year, with over 3 lakh registered pilgrims, necessitating robust security arrangements.
