Ensure safety of Amarnath yatris: Kashmir IG to officials

Srinagar, July 10

Kashmir Range Inspector General of Police VK Birdi on Wednesday directed security agencies to work in close coordination to ensure safety of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.

Birdi convened a crucial coordination and security meeting at Nunwan Base Camp in South Kashmir on Wednesday, an official spokesperson said in a statement. The meeting was attended by several police officers, base camp directors, security, traffic and intelligence agencies and other stakeholders.

“Emphasising the importance of collective effort and coordination, he stressed on the need to prevent any potential threats and ensure the safety of pilgrims,” the statement said, adding that IGP also sought details about frisking and X-ray scanning equipment, highlighting the necessity of thorough checks.

During the meeting, security forces and intelligence agencies shared their views and ideas and IGP instructed district police officers to design strategies based on these inputs. “The review meeting underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims,” the spokesperson said.

Over 4,600 leave Jammu base camp

Amid heavy rain, more than 4,600 pilgrims left Jammu city in the early hours of Wednesday for the twin base camps in Kashmir to join the annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said. This was the 13th batch of pilgrims that left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir