Home Minister reviews security in J&K, Amarnath Yatra


Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reviewed security in Jammu and Kashmir and asked forces to ensure zero infiltration, he also reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra which will be resumed after two years of being suspended due to Covid.

The Home Ministry said Shah held a review meeting in New Delhi today on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha, the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey and other senior officials of the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Shah directed security forces and the police to conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations pro-actively, and asked them to “fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and peaceful Jammu & Kashmir,” said the Home Ministry.

He said security forces should ensure zero cross-border infiltration to wipe out terrorism in the Union Territory.

Shah also held a long meeting regarding the safety of Amarnath Yatra and the facilities required for the pilgrims.

He said that it is the priority of the Modi Government that the pilgrims coming for the Amarnath Yatra should have hassle free Darshan and they should not face any problems.

He directed that arrangements should be made for all essential facilities including movement, lodging, electricity, water, communication and health of the Amarnath Yatris.

The Minister pointed out that this is the first Yatra after the Covid-19 pandemic and he asked for arrangements to be made in case pilgrims have any kind of health related problems due to the high altitude.

He said that the number of mobile towers should be increased on the Yatra route for better communication and dissemination of information, and also instructed deployment of equipment to open the route immediately in case of landslides.

Shah also directed that it should be ensured that there should be adequate supply of oxygen cylinders, and medical beds at altitudes above 6,000 feet. Ambulances and helicopters will also be deployed to deal with any emergency medical situations.

Shah also said that all types of transport services should be increased during the Amarnath Yatra for the convenience of Yatris.

The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, said that for the first time every Amarnath Yatris would be given a RFID card and would be insured for Rs. 5 lakh. A tent city, WiFi hotspots and proper lighting will be arranged on the yatra’s travel route. Along with this, online live Darshan of Baba Barfani, live telecast of the morning and evening aarti at the holy Amarnath Cave and religious and cultural programs will be organized at the Base Camp.