Amit Shah to assess Jammu and Kashmir security and Amarnath Yatra preparations.
According to sources, the Home Minister is expected to provide comprehensive directives aimed at escalating counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative comes in the backdrop of heightened security concerns and preparations for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, ensuring robust measures are in place to safeguard the region. The review is anticipated to address strategic enhancements necessary to bolster security apparatus and effectively combat threats posed by terrorist activities in the region.
The review will also encompass preparations for the upcoming annual Amarnath pilgrimage commencing on June 29.
The meeting, to be held at North Block, follows directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy full counter-terror capabilities following recent terror incidents, including an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. Shah is expected to provide overarching directives to escalate counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Key attendees at the meeting include National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, and other top officials from security agencies. Discussions will focus on the security status along the International Border and Line of Control, infiltration attempts, ongoing anti-terror operations, and the presence of terrorist elements in the Union Territory.
As security concerns escalate ahead of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is poised to issue comprehensive directives to security agencies following recent terror attacks, sources reported.
Last week, terrorists carried out attacks at four locations across Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan. Additionally, seven security personnel and several others sustained injuries in these incidents. The gravity of the situation was underscored by an encounter in Kathua district where two suspected Pakistani terrorists were neutralized by security forces, who also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the perpetrators.
The timing of these attacks is particularly concerning as they occurred just days before the commencement of the annual pilgrimage to the revered Amarnath cave shrine. Situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the south Kashmir Himalayas, the pilgrimage is slated to begin on June 29 and will extend until August 19.
Each year, pilgrims embark on their journey to the Amarnath shrine via two routes: Baltal and Pahalgam, both located in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, the shrine saw a footfall of over 4.28 lakh devotees, a figure that authorities anticipate may surpass five lakh this year, reflecting the pilgrimage’s enduring popularity and spiritual significance.
The upcoming review chaired by Amit Shah at North Block aims to chart a strategic response aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives for heightened counter-terror measures. Officials expect Shah to outline immediate actions for security agencies, emphasizing enhanced vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard pilgrims and maintain peace in the region.
In recent years, the Amarnath Yatra has been a target for terrorist activities, necessitating robust security arrangements to protect pilgrims traversing challenging terrain and potentially volatile areas. The pilgrimage route, spanning across rugged Himalayan terrain, poses logistical and security challenges, necessitating meticulous planning and coordination among various security agencies.
The tragic loss of lives in recent attacks has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for stringent security measures to prevent further incidents. The Union Home Minister’s meeting is expected to delve into the assessment of current security deployments along the pilgrimage routes, evaluate intelligence inputs regarding potential threats, and strategize on bolstering security measures to thwart any nefarious designs by terrorist elements.
Efforts are underway to ensure comprehensive security coverage, including deployment of paramilitary forces, establishment of checkpoints, and implementation of stringent access controls in sensitive areas. The aim is to create a secure environment conducive for devotees undertaking the arduous journey to seek blessings at the Amarnath shrine.
Authorities remain vigilant against potential infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) and are leveraging advanced surveillance technologies to monitor movements in border areas. Coordination between intelligence agencies, local police, and paramilitary forces remains pivotal in preempting any untoward incidents and maintaining public safety during the pilgrimage season.
As preparations intensify for the Amarnath Yatra, stakeholders are focused on ensuring a smooth and secure experience for pilgrims, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedoms and preserving the sanctity of this revered pilgrimage. The forthcoming directives from the Home Minister are poised to reinforce these efforts, emphasizing a proactive approach to counter emerging security challenges and uphold the sanctity of the Amarnath Yatra amidst prevailing security dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, stringent measures are being implemented to enhance the safety and security of pilgrims, including the issuance of RFID cards to all participants. These cards will enable real-time tracking of pilgrims’ locations, ensuring prompt assistance in case of emergencies. Additionally, every pilgrim will be covered by a Rs 5 lakh insurance policy, providing financial protection in unforeseen circumstances.
In a significant move, animals assisting in the pilgrimage will also be insured, with each animal carrying pilgrims receiving Rs 50,000 in insurance coverage. This initiative aims to safeguard the welfare of both pilgrims and their accompanying animals throughout the challenging journey.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to emphasize the seamless management of transportation routes from airports and railway stations to the pilgrimage base camp. Ensuring smooth logistics and robust security arrangements along the entire pilgrimage route will be a top priority, underscoring the government’s commitment to facilitating a secure and hassle-free experience for all pilgrims.
These comprehensive measures reflect ongoing efforts to mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety infrastructure for the Amarnath Yatra, reinforcing the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of devotees undertaking this sacred journey amidst the unique geographical and security challenges posed by the region.