Jammu Tawi, Aug 17: The participation of people in the three-day Kailash Kund Yatra beginning August 20 will be restricted, prohibiting children, elderly individuals, and women from taking part to ensure their safety, it was decided at a security review meeting today.
Senior Superintendent of Police, District Doda, Sandeep Mehta reviewed the security scenario ahead of the Yatra in Bhaderwah belt here in Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders, including all territorial police officers, representatives from the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and the IRP 5th Battalion.
Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh, who joined the meeting virtually, interacted with the members from the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, Kailash Seva Sangh, and Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kellar and other participants.
In view of the recent natural calamity at Chisoti Padar and Ghati, Kathua, the top cop said that several significant measures vis-a-vis smooth conduct of Kailash Kund yatra were deliberated and agreed upon unanimously.
The major decisions taken in the meeting were that participation in the Yatra will be restricted, prohibiting children, elderly individuals, and women from taking part to ensure their safety.
The number of Langar (community kitchen) will be limited, and they will only be permitted to set up at designated safer locations, away from Nallahs (rivulet), complete list of all participating devotees must be submitted to the local administration in advance to maintain accountability and enhance security while the Chattergala route will remain closed to Yatra movement, ensuring the safety of all participants and it is also decided that only Gatha- Sungli and Drafra routes will operate, adding he said, “a minimum number of yatries will be allowed with Chhari Mubarak.”
The SSP Doda emphasised the importance of strict compliance of these measures and urged all stakeholders to collaborate fully for a successful and incident-free Kailash Yatra.
“The administration aims to provide a safe environment for all devotees while preserving the sanctity of this revered event,” he stated.
