With the culmination of a two-day-long visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Srinagar, the entire focus of the security agencies and the Union Territory administration has now shifted towards ensuring an incident-free Amarnath yatra in the coming weeks.
The 52-day pilgrimage will commence via the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-kilometre shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29. In the wake of a recent upswing in the incidents of terrorist violence across the Jammu region, a top priority is being accorded to the foolproof security arrangements being made for the visiting pilgrims during the Yatra period.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday performed the 'Pratham Puja' (through video conferencing) to mark the ceremonial commencement of the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Interacting with the media persons at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the Administration and the Shrine Board to bring qualitative improvement in the overall Yatra experience for devotees.
"Officials of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and concerned departments are committed to providing better facilities and services for pilgrims.
There has been a significant enhancement in essential facilities, infrastructure, and security. We are taking every possible measure to ensure the yatra is smooth, safe, and hassle-free," the Lt Governor said.
In addition, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Saturday chaired a separate meeting to review arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
Accompanied by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu zone, Anand Jain, Dulloo went around the heavily guarded base camp to inspect the arrangements ahead of the annual pilgrimage. Interacting with the reporters, the Chief Secretary said the security of the Amarnath Yatra is a top priority of the administration."Adequate security measures are being put in place. Whatever has to be done will be done as yatra security is our top priority," he said.
"The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from here (Bhagwati Nagar) on June 28 and the yatra will start (in Kashmir) the next day. We have come to oversee the arrangements and had a meeting with officers of various departments concerned," the chief secretary told reporters at the base camp.
Dulloo said there has been a manifold increase in the capacity of lodgment centers and other facilities for pilgrims and the pilgrimage will be monitored. On Friday, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of the Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, conducted an extensive review of the security arrangements at Jawahar Tunnel, Chanderkote Yatri Niwas, and other critical points along the Yatra route.
ADGP Jammu accompanied by senior police officers and representatives of the central paramilitary forces inspected the security measures implemented on the Highway, at Langers, Lodgment centers, and security checkpoints.
ADGP Jammu also instructed the UTDRF ( Union Territory Disaster Response Force) personnel to remain extra vigilant and responsive to emergencies, ensuring prompt rescue operations in case of any unexpected mishaps due to natural or man-made calamities.
