Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, VK Burdy on Wednesday confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra starting next week have been finalized. He highlighted the important role played by the local residents in ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the sacred pilgrimage.
According to the news agency- Talking to media persons in Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Pahalgam, IGP Bird said that Jammu and Kashmir Police has implemented a strong, multi-level security scheme for this year’s pilgrimage in collaboration with other security agencies. Burdi said, “Compared to last year, this time we have multilevel and intensive security arrangements so that we can make the pilgrimage safe and smooth for the devotees.”
He said that safety measures have been systematically divided into various classes and regions, which are accompanied by travel route and entire valley in the valley. Each region is currently undergoing the standard operating process (SOP) exercise, which aims to increase preparations and refine the reaction of the security forces in any contingency. “The purpose of these exercises is to ensure that our operations and reactions during any contingency are more quick and sophisticated. Such drills are being done in all parts of the valley today – this camp, road section, or internal areas – so that all security forces are cautious about their actions and know which specific tasks they have been assigned, they have been asked to handle any situation.
The Kashmir Police Chief also highlighted the unavoidable contribution of local residents for the success of the Amarnath Yatra. “No pilgrimage can be done here without the support of local residents. It is only with their cooperation and assistance that these pilgrimages are successful. As well as for this pilgrimage, as well as, whenever we interact with the locals, they are very excited to welcome devotees and provide them with all possible service and convenience, so that it is also successful.”