ugc_banner

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews security preparations for Amarnath Yatra, gives strong directions to security forces

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Ieshan Bashir WaniUpdated: Jun 26, 2019, 10:24 PM IST
main img
File photo: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs review meeting on security arrangements for upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Photograph:(Others)

Story highlights

This is Amit Shah's first visit to J&K as Home Minister. The annual Amarnath Yatra will commence from July 1, officials informed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Amit Shah today visited Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation ahead of Amarnath Yatra in the state.

The prime focus of Shah’s first visit to Kashmir is to secure the Amarnath Yatra from any terror attack, which has been a cause of worry for the governor administration. 

“He directed all security agencies to be fully alert and take all preventive steps to ensure violence-free Yatra. There should be no laxity. Strict enforcement of the SOPs should be ensured. Senior officers should personally supervise the arrangements,” said A P Maheshwari, Special Secretary, Internal Security, Ministry of Home Affairs. 

During the meeting, Shah has told security forces to ensure best possible optimum use of latest technologies and the gadgets, not only for the security of the Yatra but also to facilitate the movement of the devotees and the tourists.

×

“After the cut-off timings barricades should be erected at suitable locations and no differentiation should be made between Yatris and Tourists. Barricades are used at all lateral entry points during convoy movement,” Maheshwari told reporters after the meeting. 

Home Minister has also directed police and paramilitary forces to strictly deal with the miscreants. 

At the Amarnath security meeting, top officials from the intelligence bureau, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police gave him detailed information on the prevailing situation.

 The Yatra is starting from 1st of July and has been a major worry for the forces after 12 June Anantnag attack on joint forces. The route has been frequently used by terrorists to carry out attacks. 

After reviewing the situation, he also took stock of the development process in the state which has been done over the years. He has also reviewed the major flagship programmes of the central government such. 

“82% funds have been sanctions for several major projects like two AIIMS, two IIM, tourism, power and other projects,” an official informed media. 

Interestingly, sources say that this is for the first time that local political parties haven’t received an invitation to meet the home ministers. They say that political parties were expecting the invitation to put forward their point. 

On day two, Shah will review the overall security situation and meet some more delegates.