Anti-drone SoPs in place, sniper guns installed
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 23: Anti-drone SoPs in place and sniper guns are being deployed at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, the base camp for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims for fool-proof security arrangements for the yatris.
SSP Jammu Chandan Kohli said the best possible security arrangements are in place for the pilgrimage and several drills are being conducted in advance to ensure that there is no threat to the yatris, who will start reaching here from different parts of the country in next few days. Sadhus have already started reaching here.
“Five thousand additional paramilitary personnel are being deployed in Jammu district for security of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims. In addition to them, Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have been posted at all vulnerable places including Yatri Niwas, lodgment centres, places of registration and the roads leading to Yatri Niwas from Airport, Railway Station, General Bus Stand and Kunjwani,” Kohli said.
A total of 32 lodgment centres have been designated for the pilgrims. Some of them have been earmarked in the rural areas also to accommodate the yatris if there is rush of pilgrims due to blockade of Pahalgam or Nunwan tracks and Jammu-Srinagar National Highway because of adverse weather conditions, the district police chief said.
“All security arrangements are in place well ahead of start of the yatra at lodgment and registration centres besides other major places,” Kohli said, adding major focus remained Bhagwati Nagar base camp where anti-drone SoP is in place. Besides, sniper guns will be installed at Yatri Niwas roof tops.
He asserted that security arrangements have also been intensified around Jammu Airport, Railway Station, General Bus Stand Jammu and Kunjwani Chowk where the pilgrims will reach by Airport, trains, buses and private vehicles etc.
“The yatra convoys will move under proper security cover devised as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP),” the SSP Jammu said, adding the Road Opening Parties (ROPs) and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) are in place. Area domination will also be done ahead of the convoys’ movement.
Kohli urged the public to be extra cautious and check the vehicles after parking them at public places because of the threat of sticky bombs.
Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage this year will start from June 30 from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and last for 43 days till August 11. However, from Jammu base camp, first batch of the yatra will be flagged off on June 29.
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