Security tightened on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Srinagar, July 9: In the aftermath of a deadly terrorist ambush in Kathua district that claimed the lives of five soldiers, security forces have significantly intensified their presence along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

The attack, which occurred on Monday afternoon in the remote Machedi area, also left five others injured, prompting a swift and robust response from the security agencies.

In response to the heightened threat, additional forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed along the highway.

“These measures are particularly crucial for Amarnath Yatris,” a senior officer of the security establishment said here. “We have deployed additional forces and implemented strict security measures to ensure the safe passage of the Amarnath Yatris."

The senior officer said that the safety of highway travellers was their top priority, and they were leaving no stone unturned to ensure their protection.

Since June 9, a series of terror attacks have occurred in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda, claiming the lives of nine yatris and CRPF personnel.

Additionally, a civilian and at least seven security personnel have been injured in these incidents.

The recent spate of violence prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair a high-level security review meeting.

In his directive to security agencies, Shah emphasised the need for a “mission mode” operation to ensure quick and coordinated responses to terrorist activities.

The officer said that to strengthen the security further, CCTV camera monitoring had been intensified all along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

“Constant CCTV monitoring is already happening where the CCTV set up has been installed on the highway,” he said.

A top CRPF official here said: “The entire highway is also being scanned with metal detectors by patrol teams. We are prepared to deal with any situation. We often receive input at such times, which can be either correct or incorrect. However, it is important to be alert in such situations. The current situation is normal. Drones are also being used to monitor the highway. A dog squad has also been deployed.”