Amarnath Yatra security to be stronger this year: Jammu IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, on Sunday, reviewed security and logistical arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra in Kathua district, asserting that the security grid for this year’s pilgrimage would be stronger compared to previous years.

“As far as security arrangements during the yatra are concerned, we will make every effort to provide better security than what we have in previous years. The administration, police, Army and all other agencies have a role to play in this,” he said, adding that security measures for the yatra — scheduled to commence July 3 —are already in place.

Tuti inspected the security grid along the Jammu-Pathankot national highway and at Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage.

Speaking to reporters following a review meeting in Kathua, the IGP said all stakeholders were working in coordination to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra. “We came here today to review the preparations, and all aspects were discussed by senior officers. Everyone concerned is present here. The arrangements last year were quite good as the reception centre was operated very smoothly, and I believe we will be able to provide even better arrangements this time,” he said. Tuti said every effort would be made to further strengthen security measures. 

Asked about the ongoing anti-terror operation in Rajouri district, the IGP said the encounter had entered its ninth day, but there was no information for the public at present. 

Regarding reports about the detention of a couple and the alleged recovery of hawala money from them, Tuti said the matter is under investigation, and it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage. 

The annual Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country, with extensive security and logistical arrangements being made by the administration ahead of the pilgrimage. 

The 57-day annual pilgrimage will commence on the twin routes — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal trek in Ganderbal — on July 3, and will conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 28.