Amid tight security arrangements, the first batch over 4,000 pilgrims for this year’s Amarnath Yatra flagged off from Jammu on Wednesday (28 June, 2017) early morning. Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh flagged off the yatra from Bhagwati Nagar base camp. The pilgrims left in as many as 72 vehicles.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Singh said that full-proof security arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of yatra. He also appealed to the people to come in large numbers and participate in annual pilgrimage without any fear.
On the other side, Special DG CRPF S N Srivastva yesterday said that satellites and drones would monitor this year’s Yatra. The special DG was interacting with media persons in Jammu while taking stock of arrangements for the yatra.
As a measure of security, satellite tracking system has been put in place for the safety of convoys carrying the pilgrims, said DG Shrivastava, who visited the base camp along with CRPF IG Ashkoor Wani to review the preparations.
Amarnath Yatris you are welcome to Jammu and Kashmir.All the arrangements including your security are well in place. Wish you joyful yatra pic.twitter.com/wbTuZPwL1c
— Dr Nirmal Singh (@NirmalSinghBJP) June 27, 2017
CCTV cameras, jammers, RoPs, dog squads, bullet-proof bunkers, QRTs, satellite tracking and other security gadgets are being used to maintain vigil in view of increased threat perception due to in increased terror incidents and violence in Kashmir. Notably, over 2.30 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra. The government has also mobilized a heavy security blanket of over 35,000 to 40,000 troops including the police, the Army, the BSF and the CRPF.
Courtesy: NewsBharati
