Jammu: Senior agencies in Jammu during a meeting on Monday assessed the law-and-order situation and finalised security arrangements for the annual Shri Buddha Amarnath yatra and the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, officials said.
The meeting chaired by Poonch Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Hussain was attended by all supervisory officers of the district police, including representatives of various security agencies, they said.
The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to be flagged off from Jammu on August 16 to the Buddha Amarnath temple in Poonch district, while the traditional Chhari Yatra will be taken out on August 26, they said. The yatra will conclude on August 28 on Rakshabandhan, they added.
Reviewing the overall security scenario, the SSP directed officers to strengthen area domination, anti-sabotage measures, naka checking, patrolling, surveillance of vulnerable locations, border security and intelligence gathering.
He stressed heightened vigilance, foolproof security arrangements for Independence Day functions and the smooth conduct of the Buddha Amarnath Yatra.
To effectively deal with any emerging security challenges, Hussain emphasised close coordination among security and civil agencies.
He directed officers to maintain a high level of operational preparedness, intensify checking of suspicious persons and vehicles, keep a close watch on anti-social and anti-national elements, and enhance night patrolling in vulnerable areas.
He further instructed officers to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), effective communication among field formations and proactive policing.
He also directed that adequate security arrangements be made at all Independence Day venues, along the yatra route, and at transit and accommodation points for pilgrims.