In order to boost security in the Jammu region for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, about 5,000 security personnel will be deployed to secure the pilgrims from nefarious elements.
As many as 5,000 security personnel will be deployed in the Jammu city as part of the multi-tier security arrangement for the Amarnath Yatra which begins later this month. The 43-day pilgrimage is scheduled to start on June 30 after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The journey will begin from both the routes -- the traditional 48-km route from Nunwan in Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
"Adequate security has been put in place for the base camps and lodging places in the Jammu city. Security is a major challenge," Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chandan Kohli told reporters in an interaction at an event organized by the Press Club Jammu here. He said that security measures have been put in place also around five registration centers, three token centers, and 32 lodging centers. Pointing to major challenges, he said there are new security threats of sticky bombs, hybrid terrorists and IEDs dropped by drones.
He said the security setup has been drawn for convoys of Amarnath vehicles and area domination measures along the road through which yatra convoys will pass. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have also been put in place, he said.