Elaborate security, other arrangements in place
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, June 26: As first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims will be flagged off from here on June 28, hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of country and abroad have started reaching here for the annual pilgrimage.
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Hundreds of yatris have reported at Saraswati Dham near Railway Station here early this morning to embark on the annual pilgrimage starting the day after tomorrow from Bhagawati Nagar Yatri Niwas here. The Yatris including men and women were seen waiting in long queues to get the token and complete other formalities at the different counters at Saraswati Dham.
The authorities have opened different counters at Saraswati Dham separate for male and female for their registration. The Yatris not only from different parts of the country reached here today but a group of pilgrims has also come from Bangladesh to leave for darshan of Amarnath Ji in Himalayan cave situated at an altitude of 3880 meters in South Kashmir district of Anantnag.
The pilgrims reaching here are in upbeat mood and very much enthusiastic to embark on yatra. Undeterred by terrorist threats, they exuded full confidence on security measures made by the UT administration and Union Government led by PM Narendra Modi.
Sahil Gupta, a pilgrim from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh said that he is fully satisfied with the arrangements made by the administration for the pilgrims. “Every thing is good and all arrangements are in place. The authorities have made separate counters for male and female and pilgrims are not facing any problem,” he added.
The women who reached Saraswati Dham early in the morning were also seen in long queues waiting for their turn to get token. Savita, a pilgrim from Maharashtra said the best possible arrangements have been made for the pilgrims. The tents have been installed in Saraswati Dham to protect the pilgrims from heat and rain which is an appreciable step of the administration, she added.
Yatris said that they don’t face any threat as they have blessings of Bhole Baba. “We feel comfortable here” said Ram Saini a pilgrim from Ghaziabad, UP. He said Lord Shiva is with the pilgrims so why should they feel scared or threatened,. Moreover we have full faith in our Government which has made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims”, he added.
Ruchi, a pilgrim from Bangalore, Karnataka who was also waiting at Saraswati Dham here said they had come with their relatives from Bangladesh. “It was they who were very particular and enthusiastic to have darshan of Bhole Baba so we also accompanied them from Bangalore. However, they have not made on line registration so we are waiting for their registration as they have to complete certain formalities,” added Ruchi who was all hopeful that the same would be done in a day or so.
Moreover, the authorities have made elaborate arrangements including tight security measures at Saraswati Dham and Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas including the lodgments. The yatris entering the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas and Saraswati Dham are frisked by security men at the main entrance to ensure proper safety and security of the pilgrims.
Besides, the Saraswati Dham 25 lodgments have been identified in Jammu city for the haltage of pilgrims. The authorities have made arrangements for on spot registration of pilgrims at Jammu and their medical checkup certificates. On the basis of token and medical certificates they can go to registration counters for registration, said Sushil Gupta, Additional DC Jammu who is incharge of the yatra in Jammu.
He said total security arrangements are in place and yatris reaching here in advance will be lodged in lodgments and one day prior to their yatra they will be allowed to enter the Yatri Niwas where from they will leave for annual pilgrimage next morning on their scheduled date.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Ji Yatra, Anantnag Police, in collaboration with other security forces, conducted comprehensive mock drills today at various locations across Anantnag district, including Pahalgam, the National Highway, Anantnag town, and base camps.
The drills aimed to assess the preparedness and coordination between various agencies responsible for ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the Yatra. Senior officers supervised the exercises, which tested the efficiency of communication systems, emergency evacuation procedures, and the overall effectiveness of the security arrangements.
The drills focused on key security measures, including anti-terrorism, law and order, and anti-IED protocols. “These exercises demonstrate our strong coordination with CAPF and other agencies, crucial for ensuring the Yatra’s security” said a senior police officer.
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