Srinagar, Jun 23 (KNO): Directing security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Tuesday called on the officers to strengthen the security grid and intensify anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) here, DGP Prabhat, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reviewed the preparedness and arrangements made for the Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3.
"The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, including corps commanders, inspector generals and district police chiefs," an official said.
He said, the participants briefed the DGP on the security and logistical arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
During the meeting, DGP Prabhat directed all security agencies to enhance measures at vulnerable locations, particularly along the twin pilgrimage routes and other sensitive areas.
He asked officers to revisit and further strengthen security arrangements on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and railway infrastructure.
The DGP stressed strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ordered daily briefings for deploying personnel to maintain operational readiness and situational awareness.
He also instructed officers to conduct awareness campaigns for pilgrims at camps and transit points by displaying banners and posters highlighting SOPs and important dos and don'ts.
"There is no room for complacency or errors in the security grid," DGP Prabhat told officers, while calling for the highest standards of vigilance, professionalism and preparedness.
Emphasising coordination among various agencies, he directed security and intelligence units to ensure timely sharing of information and work in close synergy on the ground.
INTENSIFY OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISTS
The DGP asked security forces to intensify operations against terrorists and their associates and increase cordon-and-search operations, particularly around yatra routes, the national highway, railway stations and other critical installations.
He also directed officers to maintain strict surveillance over social media platforms and ensure prompt action against misinformation and rumours that could create panic among the public or pilgrims.
DGP REVIEWS SECURITY MEASURES FOR MUHARRAM
The DGP further reviewed security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Muharram observances and instructed officers to maintain robust security measures while coordinating closely with local Shia organisations to ensure peaceful processions.
He also ordered the preparation of comprehensive traffic management plans and directed that procession routes be publicised in advance to minimise inconvenience to the public.
SECURITY FORCES CONDUCT MOCK DRILL ALONG JAMMU-SRINAGAR NATIONAL HIGHWAY
Earlier, security forces conducted a mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district to test emergency response mechanisms and coordination among agencies ahead of the yatra.
In Jammu, the National Security Guard (NSG) carried out a hostage-rescue simulation exercise at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp as part of security preparedness measures. The joint drill involved multiple security agencies and was aimed at assessing response capabilities in the event of a terror-related contingency.
IGP JAMMU REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS AT BHAGWATI NAGAR BASE CAMP
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, along with senior officers, reviewed security and preparedness arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.
Officials said the review focused on surveillance, access control, traffic regulation, inter-agency coordination and other measures aimed at ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
SECURITY FORCES INTENSIFY PREVENTIVE OPERATIONS IN KULGAM
Meanwhile, security forces intensified preventive operations in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. Police said extensive searches were conducted in higher reaches, forest areas, orchards and nurseries across the district as part of heightened security measures for the pilgrimage.
Several suspected overground workers (OGWs) were rounded up for questioning during the operations, which, officials said, were aimed at maintaining a secure environment and preventing any attempt to disrupt peace during the annual yatra—(KNO)