Srinagar, June 24 (KNO) : For the first time, the Amarnath Pilgrims who are set to undertake the yatra from July 1 from South Kashmir and Central Kashmir routes, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has decided to guard the pilgrims with hi-tech gadgets that include modified tracking devices that remain connected with radars and control rooms. Precisely, the SASB will keep a track of every Yatri vehicle and also the each pilgrim undertaking the annual Yatra, top security officers told KNO on Monday.
This is for the first time that the movement of pilgrims and their vehicles will be tracked through hi-tech gadgets including satellite radars and trackers. “The pilgrim vehicles will be provided with the RIFD chips and their movement will be monitored by the security agencies,” said a top police officer.
The officials said that in the wake of recent militant attacks that include—one at Anantnag on June 12 followed by a power IED that left eight security personnel dead—five CRPF men, one police officer and two soldiers.
More protection on highways, is also the part of new security plan, the officials told KNO. “Strengthening quick action teams (QATs), securing convoys, improving counter-IED measures and better deployment are some of the steps being taken by the security forces in light of recent terrorist attacks and the oncoming Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir,” Inspector General of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi told KNO.
Sources said that as part of the multi-pronged security grid, more focus will remain on highways for the smooth flow of pilgrimage on both the routes. “Some 90 points have been identified where security would be on high alert mode and also the close vigil will be maintained on the movement of Yatra vehicle movement,” they said. “Cut-off timings will also be conveyed to the pilgrims for crossing various points and junctions to ensure their security and safety.”
Another officer said that the need for surveillance by UAVs and helicopters and the requirement of road opening party (ROP) between Ramban and Jawahar tunnel were have also been discussed at a recent meeting on pilgrimage and security assessment.(KNO)