Security brass, officials visit twin Amarnath routes to assess arrangements

jj correspondent

Srinagar, June 28: Ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, top security and civil officials on Wednesday visited the twin routes of pilgrimage to assess the security arrangements and preparedness for the Yatra.
Director General Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh, Financial Commissioner Home (Addl. Chief Secretary) J&K, Raj Kumar Goyal and Principal Secretary to Lt. Governor, Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandhari today took an extensive tour of twin routes of Pilgrimage to Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
They first visited Baltal Camp, then to Panjtharni, Chandanwari and Pahalgam Nunwan Base Camp to review the security, logistics and other arrangements for the ensuing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023. The officers also visited Domail and Neelgrath Helipad, a police spokesman said.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar alongwith IG CRPG, IG BSF, 3 Sector Commander, SSP Anantnag and CO ITBP also visited Panjtarni and Holy Cave to review the security arrangements.
All officers also inspected the track jointly between Panjtarni and Holy cave. They also interacted with other stakeholders on Wednesday.
The annual 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra begins on July 1 from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Central Kashmir’s Baltal in Ganderbal district.
The tour was aimed to assess the various on-ground arrangements made for the safe and secure Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023. During the tour, the officers personally inspected and evaluated the security & logistic arrangements, working of Joint Police Control Rooms.
They also chaired joint meetings of deployed incharge officers of Police, CAPFs and other stakeholders at these places.
During these meetings the officers stressed for full coordination among the forces & other stakeholders for smooth conduct of the Yatra. They emphasized on identifying the sensitive places on yatra routes which need additional facilitation of the Yatris.
The deployed officers were also directed to implement the devised plans on ground for security & safety of pilgrims and to work diligently to ensure the highest standards of professionalism while extending all required assistance and cooperation to the yatris.
The visiting officers also stressed on keeping all Communication networks through with all stations to meet any eventuality.
Pertinent to mention that the registered pilgrims will reach base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal on June 30 and the first batch of yatra is scheduled to start on July 1, 2023 from the twin routes. UNI