Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 29: Union Home Secretary L C Goyal today visited Panjtarni on Pahalgam-Amarnath route to take stock of arrangements for the two month long annual Amarnath yatra and discussed security situation with Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Goyal visited Panjtarni, halting station on Pahalgam-Amarnath traditional yatra route, this morning to take stock of the arrangements made for the pilgrims. He reviewed the security and other arrangements made by the State Government and Shrine Board for smooth conduct of Yatra.
The Home Secretary was given a detailed briefing by officials of civil administration and security forces about measures taken to ensure a smooth and peaceful pilgrimage. He was also briefed about the medical and other assistance to be provided to the pilgrims and the rescue teams that are stationed at various places in case of any eventuality.
Goyal asked the officials that there should be no laxity in the security arrangements for the Yatra.
Goyal took aerial survey of both Baltal and Pahalgam Yatra routes before heading for Srinagar. He was shown the tracks that have been cleared of snow and are ready for the yatra from July 2 when first batch of Yatris will leave Pahalgam and Baltal for conducting darshan of the Ice lingam at Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine.
Union Home Secretary, later called on Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, here this afternoon.
During their meeting, the Chief Minister and Goyal discussed various important issues relating to law-and-order and overall security scenario in the State.
They discussed the Yatra arrangements and the security that is already in place for the Yatra.
Mufti also discussed with the Union Home Secretary the issue of Sopore attacks on telecoms and killing of some Hurriyat Conference activists and former militants. The Chief Minister also discussed the measures taken by the Government to deal with the situation in Sopore.
They also discussed the frequent hoisting of ISIS flags in Kashmir in separatist rallies. The Home Secretary was told that it is an individual act by some disgruntled youth.
They also discussed making cross-LoC trade and travel more vibrant by providing banking and telecom facilities to businessmen as well as broadening the scope of people-to-people contact beyond the divided families.
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