Kashmir governor reviews arrangements for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra Thursday reviewed the security arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra.

Vohra, also chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine, discussed security and access control related arrangements for the pilgrimage which is scheduled to commence on July 2 this year simultaneously from both the Baltal (north Kashmir) and Chandanwari (south Kashmir) routes.

"The discussions involved the senior-most officers of civil, police, central armed police forces, army, air force and state and central intelligence agencies. Detailed presentations were made by intelligence agencies regarding the obtaining and emerging security environment in the State, keeping in view the envisaged objectives of adversary external agencies," an official statement said.

Detailed discussions were also held to determine "the broad approach regarding preparedness for emergent and unforeseen situations; functioning of the joint control rooms (JCRs) in the Yatra camps; linking up JCRs with the meteorological department and the district disaster management units; coordinated deployment of dog squads, advance avalanche warning and mountain rescue teams at identified locations on both the Yatra routes", it added.

Deployments of well-equipped fire-fighting units at pre-determined points; installation of X-ray baggage scanning units at appropriate locations on both routes; access control arrangements at Neelgrath, Panjtarni and Pahalgam Helipads etc. was also discussed, it said.

Vohra stressed the vital importance of effective coordination among the administration,and security agencies for ensuring effective functioning of the planned security arrangements.

He asked the state police chief and the divisional commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir regions to undertake a thorough review of all required arrangements. Officials were also asked to ensure only those pilgrims with valid Yatra Permits are allowed to undertake the pilgrimage - and on the date and by the route for which they had procured prior registration.