Srinagar/Jammu: Director General of Police Dilbag Singh on Monday emphasised on all security officers to maintain very close coordination for the successful conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from Jammu base camp Bhagwati Nagar on June 30, one day ahead of the scheduled commencement of the 62-day long Yatra to the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine.
The DGP was chairing a joint meeting of Jammu Zone Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officers here to review the security arrangements and deployment plans for the Yatra in Jammu Zone, police said in a statement here.
Addressing the meeting, the DGP emphasised on all the officers to maintain very close coordination, saying it is of utmost importance to ensure an incident-free Yatra.
He said the sectoral officers and Police Control Rooms (PCRs) must have the information regarding the availability and location of special teams like drone units, bomb disposal squads, dog squads and quick reaction teams to ensure that services of these teams are utilised on a real-time basis in case of any emergency.
The DGP directed the officers to formulate contingency plans, with a focus on disaster management and swift response mechanism, to deal with any untoward situation during the Yatra.
The DGP directed for installation of CCTV cameras at all important locations including ‘langars’, eateries and petrol pumps to monitor the movement of suspects.
He emphasised that the incharge commander is the first respondent of any incident and added that the commander should be ever ready for the immediate action plan and handling situation.
Singh also directed for effective and efficient deployment at Yatri Niwas Jammu, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other important places for safe and secure pilgrimage.
He directed officials to use drones and other necessary tools to monitor the security of pilgrims.
Asking the officers to ensure that all SOPs issued for the purpose are followed in letter and spirit, the DGP directed erecting hoardings with phone numbers along the Yatra route so that any pilgrim seeking any assistance could reach out to the police without any difficulty.
The DGP directed for the sufficient deployment of manpower at railway stations and airports to assist the travelling pilgrims.
With regard to traffic movement, the DGP asked the department to ensure lane discipline to avoid unnecessary jamming.
He also directed that every traffic police personnel deployed for traffic management should be given wireless coverage, which is an effective tool for real-time coordination.
“Any traffic jamming at any place on the national highway should be communicated with all the beat officers so that necessary steps are taken accordingly,” Singh said.
The DGP stressed using cameras and other necessary tools to monitor vehicular movement.
Later, Singh visited the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and took firsthand stock of arrangements for security deployments, logistic facilities for pilgrims and traffic arrangements for vehicle parking being put in place for the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Kumar today visited south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to evaluate the security measures put in place for smooth conduct of Yatra.
The meeting was also attended by GoC Victor Force, IG CRPF, IG BSF, Sector commander sector 1 & 3, DIG SKR Anantnag, DIG CRPF Awantipora, DIG CRPF Anantnag DIG ITBP, SSP Anantnag, SSP Kulgam, SSP Awantipora, CO NDRF & other senior officers. The report submitted by the joint team of the Yatra track was also discussed. ADGP directed all SSsP and COs of CAPFs to conduct mock drills and joint briefings on the spot, police said in a statement.
It said recognizing the vital role of public safety, Kumar emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of pilgrims as well as the general public throughout the Yatra. He directed the officers to ensure that all necessary measures should be taken to guarantee a secure and hassle-free experience for the pilgrims. During the meeting, the ADGP Kashmir directed the officers to maintain close coordination and display better synergy among them and ensure the safety of the general public.
Security of the routes adopted for the pilgrims was discussed in detail and it was entrusted upon the officers to strengthen the security grid along the National Highway mainly at the vulnerable points to prevent any eventuality. Moreover, he directed the officers to increase surveillance and gather intelligence inputs about any possible terror threats. He also directed the officers to intensify the motor vehicle checkpoints (MVCP) and night dominations along the NHW. Several SOPs were reviewed. It was decided to deploy Anti Drone equipment of the Army at sensitive Yatra camps and locations.
The ADGP Kashmir advised the participating officers to use modern technology drone monitoring systems to keep a close vigil on their area of jurisdiction. Furthermore, the officers were directed to gather actionable intelligence information about the terrorists and their associates.
He also directed the officers to keep a strict vigil on rumour mongers who are hell-bent towards spreading forged and concocted news to create panic among the masses on social media platforms and take action under the law against such elements. He also stressed upon the officers to manage the alternative routes at congested junctions for the hassle-free movement of commuters for the convenience of the general public.
Earlier at the onset of the meeting, ADGP Kashmir was briefed by the officers about the security arrangements put in place for the safe & smooth conduct of the Yatra. He lauded the efforts made jointly by the police and security forces and expressed confidence in their ability to handle any security challenges effectively. The functioning of already established joint control rooms for the convenience of pilgrims was also discussed. He directed all officers to ensure no inconvenience to the general public during Yatra.
