Security measures, including electronic surveillance along the entire yatra route and access control arrangements, have been made for the annual Amarnath yatra scheduled to start on Saturday.
A senior police official said the security measures have arranged for this year’s Amarnath yatra given the recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, including the one where a bus was carrying pilgrims to Shiv Khori Shrine.
‘We are not taking any chances as terrorists have shown their desperation in recent times to stay in the limelight by targetting innocent pilgrims’, the officer said.
Thousands of security personnel from the police, CRPF, ITBP and other para-military forces have been deployed to ensure foolproof security for the annual pilgrimage.
Besides deployment of security forces at the Yatra Camps, the authorities have decided to carry out aerial surveillance of the Yatra area and deploy spotters to keep a vigil on unwanted activities and suspicious elements.
As part of the security measures, the national highway from Qazigund to Pahalgam and Baltal base camps have been brought under CCTV surveillance, the officials said. ‘Movement of all yatra-related vehicles will be monitored round the clock’, they added.
Kashmir Zone Police chief VK Birdi on Monday took stock of the security measures and directed officials to ensure stern security coverage and prompt response to any potential threats.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Birdi stressed the need for vigilant patrolling and monitoring of highways and all possible routes to ensure a smooth yatra and comfort for the pilgrims.
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