‘Army to man tracks, CRPF to take control of NH’
*Golden era for tourism in Kashmir, such an influx not seen in 15 yrs
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today that three level security arrangements have been made for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims and that security forces are fully capable to counter any security threat to the yatra, beginning June 30 and scheduled to last for 43 days till August 11.
In an interview to a national news channel, Sinha said security forces have big upper hand (over militants) in Kashmir and situation has changed for the better.
“People, however, hoped that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the helm of affairs, not a small incident should occur. People have genuine hopes. We will take steps in that direction also and achieve the target with Baba Barfani’s blessings,” he added.
Responding to a question on security threat to Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage, the Lieutenant Governor said he has chaired many security review meetings to assess arrangements for the yatra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also held couple of meetings. The Government is going to make fool-proof security arrangements for the yatra, he added.
He disclosed that Army will be deployed on the yatra track while Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will man Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Of course, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) will play major role in the security arrangements.
“Lakhs of families are dependent economically on the annual pilgrimage. People will also lend good welcome to the yatris,” he said, adding situation has been quite peaceful for undertaking smooth pilgrimage.
Of course, Sinha said, some forces do try to create disturbances but security forces are fully capable to hit back. “I’m confident that yatra will be held peacefully with Baba’s blessings”.
Asserting that Shri Amarnath Ji yatra has major impact on economy of Kashmir, he said at least three lakh people are directly dependent on the yatra.
“This is golden era of tourism in Kashmir. Such a heavy rush of tourists hasn’t been witnessed during last 15 years. All stakeholders in tourism will get benefitted from the rush. People want the tourism boom to continue,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said timing of yatra from Jam”There can be half an hour exemption from whatever timing is fixed but after that yatra will not be allowed,” he added.
Sinha said a Command Centre has been set up in Srinagar to monitor yatra arrangements.
He said the pilgrims can come for the annual yatra and assured them that they will return with good experience.
Asserting that 99 percent work for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage has been completed, the Lieutenant Governor said construction of only some toilets was pending which will take 2-3 days.
He added that all works will be completed well ahead of the pilgrimage.
“All measures for disaster management like emergency evacuation through helicopters have also been made. The teams of disaster management have reached here,” Sinha said.
He said underground cabling has been laid for improved electricity supply on the tracks of Shri Amarnath Ji shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas.
Adequate number of community toilets and sanitation facilities have been made on the tracks. For good connectivity, optical fibers have been laid, he added.
It may be mentioned here that annual pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath Ji shrine will start on June 29 from Jammu Yatri Niwas and June 30 from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps. The yatra will conclude on August 11 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and will have total duration of 43 days.
Besides security measures, all other arrangements are also in place for the pilgrimage.
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