Fool proof security to Yatra

With Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir, the people have been experiencing the next level of security arrangements across the UT. The Bandobast seems to be failsafe as no place has been left without the presence of security personnel whether it is a road, market, public offices, banks, ATMs, etc. Such security deployment has enhanced the confidence of the people about the level of security. The people at the helm deserve kudos for the job.

In this regard, it is pertinent to mention that for making the 57-day pilgrimage safe and secure, the government has deployed over 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which is the largest paramilitary presence in the history of this Yatra. Besides, army troops and local police personnel are also on toes to prevent any untoward incident during the Yatra, which will culminate on August 28. The entire Yatra route starting from Lakhanpur, the gateway to J&K, to the cave shrine of Baba Barfani has been placed under an extensive security grid with multi-layered deployment and technology-based surveillance.

Security is always a challenge because attempts to disrupt the smooth conduct of the yatra by the anti-national elements cannot be ruled out. However, it is laudable that over the years, the government has envisaged a number of security related SOPs which have been proving useful in containing the attempts by the elements inimical to peace to disrupt Yatra or create disturbance.

This year, the government has worked on improving synergy among army, CAPF, police and other security agencies to eliminate any chance of disruption in the peace. There is doubt in the fact that the government has taken enough steps to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and others associated with this Yatra.

In nutshell, one can say, with foolproof security arrangements, better coordination among all security agencies, and the support of the people, this year the Yatra will be conducted successfully. For this becoming a reality, it is a bounden duty  of all the stakeholders including the devotees to cooperate with the authorities and follow the rules to make this sacred pilgrimage safe and memorable for all.

It is imperative that all the necessary measures should be taken by the respective stakeholders to guarantee that the Amarnath Yatra in 2026 will not only remain peaceful and safe, but also set new benchmarks for unity, devotion and seamless coordination besides becoming shining example of communal harmony and tranquility.