YATRA-2023: Prioritize well-being of pilgrims as well as the general public throughout the Yatra: ADGP Kashmir

ANANTNAG, JUNE 26 – The Additional Director General of Police Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar today visited South Kashmir’s Anantnag district to evaluate the security measures put in place for smooth conduct of SANJY-2023. Given the importance of SANJY and the security challenges it poses, the ADGP Kashmir’s visit aimed to assess the preparations and provide necessary guidance to the officers.

The meeting was attended by GoC Victor Force, IG CRPF, IG BSF, Sector commander sector 1 & 3, DIG SKR Anantnag, DIG CRPF Awantipora, DIG CRPF Anantnag DIG ITBP, SSP Anantnag, SSP Kulgam, SSP Awantipora , CO NDRF & other senior officers. Report submitted by joint team of yatra track was also discussed. ADGP directed all SSsP and COs of CAPFs to conduct mock drill and joint briefing on the spot.

Recognizing the vital role of public safety, Vijay Kumar emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of pilgrims as well as the general public throughout the Yatra. He directed the officers to ensure that all necessary measures should be taken to guarantee a secure and hassle-free experience for the pilgrims. During the meeting, the ADGP Kashmir directed the officers to maintain close coordination & display better synergy among them and ensure the safety of general public.

Security of the routes adopted for the pilgrims was discussed in detail & it was entrusted upon the officers to strength the security grid along the National Highway mainly at the vulnerable points to prevent any eventuality. Moreover, he directed the officers to increase the surveillance & gather intelligence inputs about any possible terror threats. He also directed the officers to intensify the motor vehicle checkpoints (MVCP) and night dominations along the NHW. Several SOPs were reviewed. It was decided to deploy Anti Drone equipment of Army at sensitive yatra camps and locations.

The ADGP Kashmir advised the participating officers to use modern technology drone monitoring systems to keep close vigil of their area of jurisdiction. Furthermore, the officers were directed to gather actionable intelligence information about the terrorists & their associates. He also directed the officers to keep strict vigil on rumour mongers who are hell bent towards spreading forged & concocted news to create panic among the masses on social media platforms & take action under law against such elements. He also stressed upon the officers to manage the alternative routes at congested junctions for the hassle-free movement of commuters for the convenience of general public.

Earlier at the onset of the meeting, ADGP Kashmir was briefed by the officers about the security arrangements put in place for the safe & smooth conduct of Yatra. He lauded the efforts made jointly by the Police & security forces and expressed confidence in their ability to handle any security challenges effectively. The functioning of already established joint control rooms for the convenance of pilgrims was also discussed. He directed all officers to ensure no inconvenience to general public during yatra.