IGP Kashmir chairs key coordination and security meeting for Amarnath Yatra

Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 10 (ANI): Amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi, convened a crucial coordination and security meeting at Nunwan Base Camp.

The Meeting was attended by a range of stakeholders, including Police officers, the Army, CAPF forces, NDRF, SDRF, MRT, Base camp directors, Security, and Traffic and intelligence agencies.

The IGP directed all Security agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. Emphasising the importance of collective effort and coordination, he stressed the need to prevent any potential threats and ensure the safety of Pilgrims. Birdi also sought details about frisking and X-ray scanning equipment, highlighting the necessity of thorough checks.

During the meeting, security forces and intelligence agencies shared their views and ideas. The IGP instructed District Police officers to design strategies based on these inputs. He also requested updates from Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and Chandwari base camps.

The Meeting was also attended by Yatra Officer, Shri Sujit Kumar; DIG SKR, Shri Javid Ahmad Matoo; SSP Anantnag, Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy; as well as officers from CAPF, Security, Traffic, and the Army.

The review meeting underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims.

Earlier in the morning, another batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims departs from the Pantha Chowk Yatra base camp for Baltal and Pahalgam routes amid high security.

Conducted by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Amarnath Yatra has two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other via Baltal.

Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, this year the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Five Army soldiers lost their lives and as many as were injured in an ambush by terrorists in Kathua district on July 8.

Further, to ensure a safe and efficient movement of the pilgrims and commuters during the holy Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police issued an advisory on July 6 on the National Highway 44 — with cut-off timings and clear instructions for the various convoys and non-convoy movements.

This year, the yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days. The devotees of Lord Shiva undertake the arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave which is located in the Kashmir Himalayas.