Massive security arrangement for Amarnath pilgrimage

The annual Amarnath pilgrimage will begin today amid tight security arrangement given the terror threat in Jammu and Kashmir. Around forty thousand security personnel have been deployed and modern technology has been pushed to service to thwart any attempts to disrupt the yatra. 

The 46-day-long Amarnath pilgrimage to the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,880 meters in south Kashmir's Anantnag will witness lakhs of devotees. Thousands of pilgrims have already reached Kashmir from different parts of India for the holy pilgrimage. Foolproof arrangements have been made to thwart any attempts by the terrorists to derail the yatra. 

The Indian Army, the CRPF, the BSF and other paramilitary forces are dotting the national highway where terrorists frequently target security forces in the state. Strong directions by Home Minister Amit Shah to strictly implement the standard operating procedures for the pilgrimage has got the administration on toes.  

But what has been interesting this year is the use of modern technology. CCTV cameras have been installed almost at every corner and street. Modern bulletproof vehicles have also been sent to the valley on the directions of the union government. Drones have also been pressed into service to monitor the dense forest area which could be used by terrorists to hide. 

“For the yatra, we have made all security arrangements. Pilgrims are coming here with enthusiasm and the government has made all necessary arrangement for the safe yatra,”  DS Ambeah, DIG CRPF told WION. 

The government has been directed to ensure optimum use of the latest technologies and gadgets including tracking chips. These chips have been installed in vehicles to locate and check the locations. This will also help the administration to keep a check of every vehicle and stop unregistered pilgrims. 

“The security arrangements are very good, in fact, I am coming here for the second time. We aren’t worried at all. We were escorted in bulletproof cars by the security forces,” said a pilgrim from Punjab. 

This all is part of the big move by the Centre to stop any Pulwama-like suicide blast.