Srinagar, Jun 21 (KNS): A multiple-tier security arrangement comprising the Army, paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police will be put in place for the Amarnath pilgrimage starting June 28.
Sources in the Ministry of Home affairs told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that security forces have been asked to maintain highest level of alertness and synergy.
Sources said that the CRPF will be assisted by personnel of Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police, which have already been stationed at specific locations falling on the yatra route.
Informed sources in the Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the security forces were undergoing training in Srinagar to ensure that the upcoming Amarnath Yatra was conducted in a smooth manner.
Sources said that Senior Superintendent of Police and Superintendent of Police rank officials will supervise different companies of each force, an official in the Home Ministry said. Sources said that a 24X7 helpline number will start two days before the yatra.
Sources said that the forces will use CCTV cameras, bullet proof bunkers, dog squads and quick reaction teams on the yatra route while satellites are likely to track the movement of pilgrims.
Sources said that other facilities like drinking water, toilets, clean halls for stay, inquiry counters, transport, communication and banking facilities have been set up while medical camps will be set up on the route.
Sources said that taking note of last year`s attack on Amarnath pilgrims and increased militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Ministry has decided to improve security for the pilgrimage.
On July 10 last year, at least nine Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 others injured in an attack on a bus in Anantnag district. Keeping that in mind, multi-tier security arrangements have been made this year, one of the top officials of the MHA told KNS.
Sources in the MHA said that all border police stations , posts and check-points have also been directed to be strengthened and activated to neutralize any attempt of infiltration from across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
Recently, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh convened a meeting on security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has already sought around 22,500 additional paramilitary personnel for deployment along the entire route of the Amarnath pilgrimage.
One of the top police officials told KNS that the heightened security arrangements will be put in place with the involvement of the Army, paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
It is to mention here that Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed security arrangements for the Amaranth yatra during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week.
A total of around 40,000 personnel are expected to be deployed during this year's pilgrimage. Around 35,000 troops were deployed during the Amarnath pilgrimage in 2017. (KNS)