Fool-proof security grid to be in place for Amarnath Yatra: CS

Jammu, June 22: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Saturday said that a fool-proof security grid would be put in place to ensure peaceful Shri Amarnathji Yatra as pilgrims’ safety was the topmost priority for the J&K government.

He asserted that to facilitate pilgrims and make their stay pleasant, all desired arrangements, including enhanced lodging facilities, were being made with an effective monitoring system in place.

He was speaking to the media after reviewing arrangements at Yatra base camp (Yatri Niwas) at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu.

“All administrative arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra have been put in place, whether they are related to security, lodgement or other facilities for pilgrims. We are reviewing arrangements to see if there are any lacunae or shortcomings, they too will be rectified well in advance, prior to the commencement of Yatra. On the whole, the number of our lodgement centres has increased; holding capacity too has gone up. Facilities for pilgrims have been enhanced and an effective monitoring mechanism has been put in place to make their stay here memorable. To be precise, we’re fully geared up to welcome pilgrims,” Dulloo said, while responding to media queries about the arrangements made for ensuing Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

He stated that the Yatra would commence on June 29. “This morning ‘Pratham Puja’ too was performed. First batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from here in Jammu on June 28 for Kashmir. The arrival of Yatris (pilgrims) will start prior to that,” he said, outlining the schedule of pilgrimage commencement.

“Today, we came here to review arrangements for pilgrims and also convened a brief meeting, which was attended by the officers of all concerned departments. We’re satisfied with the arrangements made here. I’m sure that they will have a comfortable stay here,” he added.

Responding to a question about security concerns for pilgrims in the wake of recent spate of terror attacks in Jammu, including ambush of a pilgrims’ bus by terrorists in Reasi earlier this month, the Chief Secretary said, “See, it definitely is a concern but all desired arrangements to ensure fool-proof security of Amarnath pilgrims are being made. Security forces, in adequate numbers, are being deployed. This aspect (fool-proof security grid) will be given the utmost importance as for us security of pilgrims is the topmost priority.”

With regard to special arrangements made at Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar during this season of pilgrimage, Dulloo said, “Here lodgement capacity has increased. Separate hanger has been set up. Langar, sufficient bedding facilities are there. All halls are equipped with air conditioning facilities. Medical, fire-fighting, potable water arrangements are in place. 24X7 power supply will be ensured here. All these amenities have been ensured here to facilitate the incoming pilgrims.”

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain accompanied the Chief Secretary along with other senior officers of civil and police administration.