Amarnath yatra: Improve surveillance, bolster deployment: ADGP L&O

Srinagar, June 6: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order, Vijay Kumar Thursday called for improving surveillance and bolstering deployment ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.

Chairing a joint meeting with the officers of the Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other agencies at the Police Control Room (PCR), Kashmir, in preparation for the Amarnath Yatra, the ADGP Law & Order emphasised the importance of adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout the yatra, stressing preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of devotees.

Kumar instructed the officers to reinforce security measures and mitigate potential risks by deploying anti-sabotage teams along the yatra route.

He also advocated utilisation of advanced drone technology and real-time aerial monitoring to enhance surveillance and threat detection capabilities along both yatra routes.

Assuring the yatris of all possible measures to provide a secure and hassle-free experience, the ADGP L&O urged cooperation with security forces and adherence to prescribed guidelines for convenience and safety.

The meeting, attended by various officers including Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi and officers of other security forces and agencies including the Army and CAPFs focused on strategising comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth, and incident-free yatra.

The meeting facilitated comprehensive discussions on logistical and security aspects crucial for the successful and secure conduct of the yatra, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring a peaceful yatra experience for all.

Collaboration among stakeholders and the implementation of robust contingency plans were highlighted as essential elements in addressing unforeseen challenges.

Furthermore, officers were directed to identify and assess areas prone to vulnerabilities like landslides, avalanches, and rock falls, and devise strategies for enhanced vigilance and proactive measures. Specialised forces including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) were urged to map vulnerable points for regular monitoring.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the security measures to be implemented along the yatra route.

The participating officers provided insights, shared past experiences, and presented recommendations aimed at strengthening communication channels, enhancing coordination among different forces, and implementing real-time monitoring systems.

Central to the deliberations was the reinforcement of existing security infrastructure, improvement of surveillance tactics, and augmentation of personnel deployment along the yatra axis.

Key concerns like cut-off timings for local and tourist movements during the yatra were addressed to minimise disruption and inconvenience.

It was decided that vehicles beyond designated cut-off timings would be directed to safe places or yatra camps along the route.

The stakeholders were briefed on the protocol prohibiting the yatra and tourist vehicle movement beyond specified timings.