Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 16: Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Udhampur-Reasi Range, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, today conducted a comprehensive security review meeting for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra.
The meeting, attended by various key officials, focused on crowd management and security preparations for the yatra.
During the meeting, SSP Reasi, Commandant CRPF 6 Battalion, SP Katra, Joint CEO Shrine Board, SDPO Katra, DySP Bhawan, and officers from special branch, Army, CID, Traffic, Railway, and District Special Branch provided detailed briefings on their respective roles in ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims.
DIG UR Range, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and reviewed security drills for the SMVD Shrine, yatra route, and the well-being of pilgrims visiting daily. He instructed for a joint security drill with CAPF, marking it as a top priority.
In addition, Choudhary highlighted the need for verification and a census of migrants, workers, pony porters, and others in Katra town to prevent the entry of any suspicious elements.
Random checks on hotels and residential accommodations were also directed to verify the character antecedents of individuals.
The officer addressed concerns about attempts to revive militancy in parts of district Reasi.
He urged officers to revisit the list of OGWs (Over-Ground Workers) at police stations and monitor social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to curb new patterns of radicalization.
Special attention was given to the safety and security of pilgrims on December 31st, considering the New Year celebrations. The officers were instructed to work with cooperation and coordination to prevent any untoward incidents during this period.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on coordination and cooperation among all security forces deployed for the Shrine’s security, highlighting the collective responsibility in ensuring a safe environment for the pilgrims.