Baltal, Jul 06 (KNO): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has intensified its "May I Help You" initiative for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, with women personnel assisting pilgrims along the Baltal route by offering guidance, security, accommodation support, language assistance, connectivity help and emergency medical aid.
Speaking to reporters, CRPF DIG Sudhir Kumar, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the initiative received an overwhelming response from pilgrims during last year's Yatra, encouraging the force to strengthen it this year.
"Last year, people wholeheartedly appreciated the CRPF for the 'May I Help You' initiative, which encouraged us. This year, our women personnel are fully prepared. Even yesterday, when some pilgrims faced difficulties near the registration counter, our 'May I Help You' team extended prompt assistance," he said.
Highlighting the role of women personnel, Kumar said pilgrims from different parts of the country participate in the annual pilgrimage and many face language barriers. "CRPF is like a mini-India. We have deployed women personnel from different states so that pilgrims can communicate in their own language and receive the assistance they need," he said.
DIG Kumar added, "We have had no issues so far. CRPF has taken care of all aspects of its duty. We are alert, and we hope that nobody will have any inconvenience from the CRPF's end. But I would like to request the pilgrims to come here only after registration. That will make their Yatra smooth...A cut-off time has been put in place; if pilgrims follow it, they won't face any issues."
CRPF woman constable Jyoti S. said the initiative, launched last year, has been expanded this year with a team of around 30 to 40 personnel. "Our only objective is to assist the pilgrims throughout their journey. We are here to serve people, and we take pride in helping them. Our focus is to resolve the problems faced by pilgrims," she said.
Another woman constable, Pushpa Verma, said personnel remain among the pilgrims to assist whenever required; pilgrims have come from across the country. "We have been deployed here to assist them in every possible way. Our officers train us on how to help pilgrims. It feels rewarding to support people during the Yatra," she said—(KNO)