Peerzada Ummer
Pahalgam, Jun 25: Asserting that the indispensable contribution of locals is must for the success of the Amarnath Yatra, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi, on Wednesday said that no pilgrimage can take place without the support of the natives.
Talking to reporters here in South Kashmir, IGP Birdi, said, “It is only with their cooperation and assistance that these pilgrimages are successful. For this pilgrimage as well, whenever we interact with the local people, they are very enthusiastic about welcoming the devotees and providing them with every possible service and facility, so that the pilgrims’ journey is also successful.”
Stating that the comprehensive security arrangements have been finalized for the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence next week, IGP Birdi said, “The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, has implemented a robust, multi-layered security plan.”
He said, “Compared to last year, this time we have multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements so that we can make the pilgrimage safe and smooth for the devotees,” IGP Birdi said.
He elaborated that security measures have been systematically divided across different sections and sectors along the Yatra route and throughout the valley. Each area is currently undergoing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) drills, aimed at enhancing preparedness and refining the response of security forces in the event of any contingency.
“The purpose of these drills is to ensure that our operations and responses during any contingency are more prompt and refined. Such drills are being carried out today in all parts of the valley—be it camps, road sections, or interior sectors—so that all security forces remain alert regarding their tasks and know exactly what specific tasks they are assigned, allowing them to effectively handle any situation,” the IGP said.
