Srinagar, June 21 : With only a week left until the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha-led administration is finalizing all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Concurrently, according to sources, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) is expected to conduct a final security review next week.
Sources from the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory administration told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that following the conclusion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Srinagar, the focus immediately shifted to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on June 29.
“Almost all arrangements have been finalized, and we are giving them the final touch before the yatra starts. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Secretary are closely monitoring all administrative preparations, while the Director General of Police (DGP) and other top security officials are overseeing security arrangements,” sources said.
Meanwhile, sources told KNS that the final security review by the MHA is likely to take place next week to ensure the pilgrimage’s smooth and peaceful conduct.
“On the security front, the MHA is in close contact with security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir. The final meeting, likely to be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, will include the heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and JK Police along with senior officials from the intelligence agencies and the Army,” the sources claimed.
The review aims to solidify security strategies and ensure seamless coordination among the various forces involved.
After the review, Home Minister Amit Shah will be briefed on the overall security situation, sources added.
The 52-day pilgrimage to the sacred 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in South Kashmir will start on June 29 and will conclude on August 19.
Sources in the security establishment said that the final security assessment is crucial for addressing any outstanding concerns and ensuring the safety of thousands of devotees expected to participate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently chaired a high-level meeting to evaluate the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and oversee the preparatory steps for the Amarnath Yatra.
This meeting included key figures such as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief designate Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, BSF Director General Nitin Agarwal, CRPF Director General Anish Dayal, and other senior officials from the MHA and the Union Territory administration.
During the meeting, comprehensive discussions were held on the current security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. Deployment strategies and coordination among various security agencies were finalized to ensure a secure pilgrimage.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant annual pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees from across India. Given the challenging terrain, ensuring the safety of pilgrims is a top priority for the authorities.
The upcoming security review meeting is expected to finalize all security arrangements, enhanced surveillance measures, and emergency response strategies.
This is to counter any potential threats and ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
As the start date of the pilgrimage approaches, the administration’s primary focus remains on maintaining peace and security throughout the yatra period, enabling devotees to undertake their spiritual journey safely and without interruption.
