Jammu, June 08: With preparations gathering pace for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Kathua Police on Monday reviewed and intensified security arrangements along the pilgrimage route, focusing on enhanced surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims.
A high-level security review and coordination meeting was held at the District Police Lines, Kathua, under the chairmanship of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma. The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Police, Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and intelligence agencies.
Addressing the officers, the SSP stressed the need for heightened alertness and directed all security agencies to maintain maximum vigilance during the 57-day pilgrimage, scheduled to commence on July 3. She emphasized that there should be no room for complacency in ensuring foolproof security arrangements for the devotees.
During the meeting, a detailed review of the Yatra security plan was conducted, covering surveillance mechanisms, convoy management, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), emergency response systems, and coordination among various agencies. Officers were instructed to ensure strict adherence to security protocols while maintaining a pilgrim-friendly atmosphere throughout the pilgrimage.
The SSP directed supervisory officers to carry out regular inspections of langars, lodging facilities, and other Yatra-related establishments. She also called for close monitoring of suspicious activities and intensified efforts to identify and neutralize potential security threats.
To strengthen the intelligence network, officers were asked to enhance intelligence gathering, promptly share actionable inputs, and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and other stakeholders. Special emphasis was laid on securing the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway and railway tracks through continuous domination patrols, naka checking, and area surveillance.
Authorities were further instructed to expedite tenant verification and census drives along the National Highway, including checks at hotels, dhabas, and industrial units, to prevent anti-national elements from exploiting the Yatra route.
As part of the enhanced security framework, drone-based surveillance will be expanded, while X-ray screening systems and dog squads will be deployed for anti-sabotage checks at key locations, including Lakhanpur Base Camp and other important Yatra sites. The operational preparedness of Quick Reaction Teams will also be regularly assessed.
The meeting also underscored the importance of seamless coordination among Police, CAPFs, civil administration, traffic authorities, health services, and other departments to ensure swift information sharing and effective response during emergencies.
Officers were directed to strengthen security arrangements for Yatra mini-convoys and expand CCTV surveillance coverage at all critical locations with dedicated round-the-clock monitoring.
Reiterating the commitment of the district police and allied agencies, SSP Mohita Sharma called for sustained operational readiness and coordinated efforts to ensure the safe, secure, and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. (KINS)
