New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will convene a meeting to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra that commences from 28 June. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has already sought around 22,500 additional paramilitary personnel for deployment along the entire route of the Amarnath pilgrimage. These forces will join the existing forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
During his two-day visit to the Valley earlier in June, Rajnath met with Mehbooba and discussed security arrangements that have been put in place for the pilgrimage.
The meeting comes at a time when the International Border along Kashmir has been under fire from constant ceasefire violations. Last year’s deadly attack on the Amarnath pilgrims, which left at least seven pilgrims dead, has security agencies on their toes. The authorities have planned a multi-tier security arrangements, reports said. Satellites will track pilgrims’ movement. That apart, authorities are installing jammers, CCTV cameras and bulletproof bunkers to be ready for any adverse situation. Reports also said that dog squads and quick reaction teams have been deployed which will be part of the security drill along Amarnath routes.
The Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police will be part of the heavy security that is being put in place ahead of the pilgrimage, which the security agencies suggested is open to vulnerability.
Even though reports quoted sources from the intelligence bureau saying there were no inputs about any possible attack, security forces want to be prepared in case such a time comes. The forces have decided to increase the CAPF deployment from 181 companies in 2017 to 213 companies this year.