Despite Challenges, Better Facilities Ensured: LG On Amarnath Yatra

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- In a crucial stakeholder meeting ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday held deliberations with key representatives from various sectors to review arrangements for the pilgrimage. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also attended the session held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The interaction brought together members of civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, MLAs, and representatives from business and trade associations. Senior officers from the administration were also present.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Principal Secretary to the LG Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, top police officers, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V K Bidhuri and around 77 civil society members were present in the meeting.

Expressing his gratitude to the participants LG Sinha said,“I'm thankful to all of you for your presence. For the past few months, we've been holding regular meetings to review preparations for the pilgrimage,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha said the administration has made extensive preparations, including security-related measures, to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.

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“Despite challenging weather conditions and tough terrain, efforts have been made to provide better facilities for the pilgrims. Many of you are already aware of the significant improvements that have taken place,” he said, while also commending the dedication of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in supporting the yatra over the years.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, LG Sinha said that all stakeholders had assured him of their full cooperation in ensuring the success of both the Amarnath Yatra and the upcoming Muharram observances.

“I had invited all senior leaders and representatives of political parties to Raj Bhavan and appealed to them for their support. They assured me of full cooperation for both the yatra and Muharram,” he said.

Highlighting the inclusive approach taken by the administration, Sinha added,“Members of civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, business and trade representatives, and MLAs were consulted today. This has been a collective effort that we've continued for the last four years.”

He noted that the yatra belongs more to the people than to the administration or the Shrine Board, and that the collective support of all communities remains vital.

“With the blessings of Baba Amarnath, I hope the yatra will be successful,” the lieutenant governor said.

In a message of harmony, the LG invoked a Kashmiri saying,“Khudai Chu Ekh, Naav Chis Setha” -“There is only one God with many names,” underlining that the Yatra is not just a religious journey but a symbol of unity and shared values.

“The people of Kashmir have always been associated with this pilgrimage. Their involvement is not just vital for logistics but also for trust and security,” LG Sinha said, asserting that local support remains pivotal in facilitating the Yatra.

Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, LG Sinha called it an attack on Kashmir's soul.“What happened in Pahalgam and how people spontaneously came out in protest - I have not seen anything like this in my five years as LG,” he said.

He said that the attack was a desperate attempt by Pakistan-backed forces to create discord, but the people of Kashmir responded with unity and dignity, drawing praise from across the country.

“This attack has placed Kashmir under national and international scrutiny. Our responsibility has become even greater now,” he said.

“More than the administration, it is the responsibility of the people to make this Yatra successful,” LG Sinha stated. He assured that all issues related to locals will be addressed promptly.

Security arrangements have been strengthened, and civil society members present in the meeting pledged their full support, describing the Yatra as“the people's Yatra.”

Though some religious leaders expressed their desire to formally welcome devotees, LG Sinha clarified that while such gatherings would not be possible officially, individuals were free to meet pilgrims in their personal capacity.

LG Sinha affirmed,“Peace is a prerequisite for development. How the people of Jammu and Kashmir are standing up against terrorism shows their determination for a better future.”

Field Officers Must Remain Alert: DGP

With the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Saturday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu, directing officers to adopt proactive and preventive measures to ensure the peaceful and secure conduct of the 38-day-long pilgrimage.

The DGP called for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and urged security agencies to remain on high alert throughout the Yatra period.“We must dismantle the terror ecosystem and maintain a robust security grid. Field officers must remain focused and alert to ensure the highest level of preparedness and public safety,” Prabhat said during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the J&K Police, Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, civil administration, telecom, NSG, and other departments involved in the Yatra's security and logistical arrangements.

Key attendees included IGP Jammu Zone Bhimsen Tuti (IPS), IG BSF Jammu Sector Shashank Anand (IPS), Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar (IAS), DIG Traffic Jammu Dr. Haseeb Mughal (IPS), DIG JSK Range Shiv Kumar Sharma (IPS), and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh (JKPS), along with officers from the Army's 16 Corps and 26 Division.

At the outset, officers presented detailed briefings on security deployments, inter-agency coordination, and contingency planning for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025. The emphasis remained on seamless coordination between all forces to pre-empt potential threats and respond swiftly if necessary.

Tech-Enabled Surveillance in Focus

SSP Jammu delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation detailing security measures, particularly at key locations such as lodgement centers, registration counters, and token distribution points. He highlighted the integration of Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), anti-drone technologies, and real-time monitoring tools aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities.

Senior officials from the Army, BSF, CRPF, intelligence, and other wings shared updates on their preparations, ranging from route domination to night patrolling and convoy protection.

The DGP also interacted with nodal officers to assess field-level coordination and instructed them to identify and plug any operational gaps before the Yatra begins.

Civil Administration Readies Lodgement Facilities

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, informed the gathering that 106 lodgement centers have been established across the Jammu region to house pilgrims. He lauded the synergy between security and civil agencies and reiterated the administration's commitment to providing a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.

Kumar emphasized that all basic amenities, including water, electricity, sanitation, and medical facilities, are being ensured at the lodgement points in coordination with district administrations.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from all participating agencies to maintain unwavering vigilance, ensure timely coordination, and adopt a zero-compromise approach to security. The DGP reiterated the importance of community engagement and urged officials to maintain sensitivity in their dealings with pilgrims and local residents alike.

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