Ensure foolproof arrangements for Amarnath Yatra: Union Home Secy

Srinagar, Jun 20: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Saturday directed the security top brass to ensure foolproof arrangements for the forthcoming 57-day Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3.
A top official said that the Union Home Secretary chaired a high-level security review meeting here to review the preparations for the annual pilgrimage. “The security review meeting was held at the Police Headquarters at Haiderpora in Srinagar. It was attended by the top brass of Police, Army, CRPF, BSF, intelligence agencies and top officials of the civil administration” he said.
The official said that during the meeting the security top brass briefed the Union Home Secretary about readiness along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. “Security forces have intensified area domination exercises, route sanitization and counter-terror surveillance measures across Kashmir Valley, particularly in districts connected to the annual pilgrimage,” officials told the meeting.
Sources said that the review meeting also discussed deployment plans, convoy security, emergency response mechanisms, intelligence coordination, disaster management preparedness and arrangements for pilgrims at various transit camps and base camps. “The Union Home Secretary also took stock of infrastructure and facilitation measures put in place for devotees, including healthcare, communication, transportation and rescue arrangements.”
The Union Home Secretary was also briefed about emergency response, healthcare facilities, communication networks, and transportation services, sources added.
Sources said the overall security situation in the Kashmir was also reviewed. “The Union Home Secretary was briefed about the steps taken to secure the life and property of citizens in Jammu and Kashmir,” they said, adding, “The Home Secretary was also briefed about the steps taken to maintain the prevailing peace and break the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.”
Pertinently, on June 12 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review security preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. He directed the top security brass to focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. “Safety of pilgrims remains the top priority of the PM Modi-led government,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister directed officials to put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid along the Yatra routes through close coordination between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.
Shah laid emphasis on integrating modern technology with traditional security mechanisms.
During the meeting officials were directed to ensure extensive deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, and advanced monitoring systems to further strengthen situational awareness and threat response capabilities.
The Home Minister also instructed that senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police be deployed at key camp locations to maintain continuous oversight of arrangements on the ground throughout the duration of the Yatra.
Apart from the Yatra routes, HM Shah asked officials to ensure enhanced security arrangements at other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrine, is set to commence on July 3, with authorities working to ensure tight security and smooth management amid challenging terrain and weather conditions. (KNO)