Amarnath Yatra 2024 | Punjab Police enhances security level in Pathankot in view of sacred yatra
Amarnath Yatra 2024 | Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the Punjab Police to ensure smooth and safe passage for devotees going for the Amarnath Yatra, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of Police, Army, Civil Administration and other security agencies to take stock of the security arrangements in this regard.
The meeting, which was held in Pathankot, focused on strategic preparations for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, encompassing diverse aspects such as police deployment, security measures, traffic management, and disaster management, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab stated.
The review also focused on recent incidents involving sightings of armed suspects in Kot Bhattian village, Bamial, and an encounter with an armed suspect in Kathua district.
The meeting was attended by the senior officers from the Punjab Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), and other Central Agencies.
He informed that the route has been divided into five sectors for effective management and four companies of CAPF have been stationed along the route. Special security arrangements at langar sites, including the installation of cameras, bulletproof morchas, and deployment of SOG are being ensured, he added.
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He asked the concerned officers to make appropriate arrangements for parking, and the use of strategic deployment of forces at all five sectors.
He said that Trauma Centres, Ambulance services, tow vehicles, and hydras are already in place in each sector.
Emphasising the crucial role of close coordination among officers, security agencies, and the civil administration, the Special DGP stressed on the need for meticulous planning and effective mechanisms to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra.
While underscoring the necessity of comprehensive disaster management arrangements to address any natural calamities that may arise, he stressed on the need to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to handle eventualities such as fire incidents or flash floods.
The Yatra involves a challenging trek to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, making security a critical concern.
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath Shrine stands at 3,888m, 46 Km from Pahalgam and 14 Kms from Baltal.
Amarnath is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams and the holy cave is considered the abode of Lord Shiva who is enshrined in the form of an ice-lingam in this cave. This lingam is formed naturally, which is believed to wax and wane with the moon
The Amarnath Yatra is conducted every year during Shravani Mela, which starts from July and continues till August. The Yatra takes place from the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The holy cave remains open during this period and it attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.
- With inputs from agencies
