SRINAGAR: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements put in place for the annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, commencing from July 1.
The review by the Army commander holds significance, as it came just hours before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to Kashmir valley, to review the overall security situation and arrangements, put in place for Amarnath yatra.
An Army officer told UNI that Lt Gen Singh, accompanied by GoC of Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, visited both the traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal routes on Wednesday.
”The Army commander reviewed security arrangements on both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam for Amarnath Yatra,” he said.
He said Lt Gen Singh appreciated the synergy between all agencies of the government and measures being taken, to ensure safety and security of pilgrims.
Defence Ministry Spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia told UNI that Lt Gen Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the Valley, visited the Army formations and units deployed for the Amarnath Yatra. The security and administrative arrangements were reviewed during the visit.
He was briefed by the commanders on ground about the deployment and measures taken for close coordination with the Civil Administration and other security forces to ensure a safe, secure and efficient conduct of the Yatra.
The Army Commander appreciated the synergy being maintained among all security agencies and the State Government.
He further reiterated that all assistance will be provided to the newly-inducted CAPF units and complimented the efforts of troops for coordinating all the requisite arrangements.
The Army Commander also lauded the integrated approach and cooperative spirit among all the agencies, to thwart any possible nefarious design of anti-national elements.
Earlier, on June 15, the Army Commander had chaired a key Security Review Meeting, which was attended by the senior officials from the Army, Police, CRPF and other security agencies.
During the meeting, detailed aspects of coordination related to the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra were discussed. He had also appreciated the co-operation being maintained through the joint efforts by all the agencies, Col Kalia added.
(AGENCIES)
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