New Delhi, 12 June (H.S.):

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements and overall preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The Home Minister directed officials to ensure all necessary measures are in place for the peaceful, safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The meeting was attended by Ajit Doval, Manoj Sinha, the Chief of Army Staff, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, security agencies and the administration.

During the meeting, officials reviewed arrangements related to the security of pilgrims, surveillance along the pilgrimage routes, disaster management preparedness, medical facilities, traffic regulation and coordination among various agencies involved in the annual yatra.

Amit Shah instructed the concerned authorities to ensure comprehensive preparations for the uninterrupted and secure conduct of the pilgrimage. He emphasized the importance of maintaining robust security measures while also ensuring convenience and safety for devotees travelling to the holy shrine.

According to sources, the meeting also included detailed discussions on the prevailing security situation, facilities for pilgrims and the need for heightened vigilance in sensitive areas. Authorities reviewed contingency plans and measures aimed at responding swiftly to any potential challenges during the pilgrimage period.

The government’s objective is to provide devotees arriving from across the country with a safe, seamless and well-organised pilgrimage experience.

The Amarnath Yatra, held annually in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of India. Given the scale of participation and the challenging terrain, extensive security and logistical arrangements are made each year to facilitate the pilgrimage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar