Satellites, drones to monitor 40-day long Amarnath Yatra
Jammu Tawi: Asserting that all security arrangements are in place, Special DG CRPF S N Srivastva today said that satellites and drones would monitor 40-day long annual Amarnath Yatra starting from here tomorrow.
“Foolproof security arrangements are made for this year's yatra and there is no compromise on security part,” Mr Srivastva told mediapersons here this afternoon while taking a stock of arrangements made at the Bhagwati Nagar based Yatri Niwas here–the base camp Shri Amarnath Yatris.
“This year the yatra will also be monitored with the help of satellites and drones,” he said and added, “police, para-military forces are jointly in coordination with each other and ensuring security of the pilgrims.”
The DG further said that 30,000 troops have also been deployed throughout for smooth and incident-free conduct of the yatra. “Besides heavy deployment of troops and monitoring through surveillance devices, bullet proof vehicles will escort the convoy of pilgrims,” said Mr Srivastva.
He further said that closed circuit cameras are installed along the highway and some of the prominent and identified locations to keep vigil on any suspicious movement, activity. On stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir valley, the DG while expressing concern said, “it is a challenge but we are prepared and ready to counter such acts.”
The Special DG, however, appealed to the people to come in large and without any fear participate in annual feature. The first batch will leave from here tomorrow morning and officially from Srinagar on June 29.
Noting that threat perception for the Amarnath Yatra this year was very high, BSF DG K K Sharma today said that the BSF and security forces were well-prepared to ensure that the yatra passed off peacefully.
“The situation is very tense this year. This time there is a high level of threat perception. We have taken all precautions regarding deployment of forces and our commandos,” Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of a BSF programme here.
“We will ensure that it passes off peacefully like previous years,” he said.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on June 29, will end on August seven.
The shrine is situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet and is about 141 km from Srinagar.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which conducts the annual pilgrimage, has issued advisories for it, saying people who wish to trek to the shrine must furnish medical certificates.
It has said that those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be allowed to join the pilgrimage. (AGENCIES)
