Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu
Jammu, Jun 30: With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Praveen Kumar on Tuesday reviewed security and logistical arrangements to ensure the safe conduct of the two-month-long pilgrimage.
Officials said all necessary preparations have been completed for the smooth and secure movement of thousands of pilgrims expected to visit the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine during the annual pilgrimage.
Accompanied by senior officers, the BSF chief inspected key locations along the pilgrimage route and assessed operational preparedness, including disaster management measures, mountain rescue capabilities, medical support for devotees and anti-sabotage arrangements.
He also reviewed coordination among various security agencies and civil authorities deployed for the Yatra, stressing the need for close cooperation to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
The BSF, which is primarily responsible for guarding India's border with Pakistan, plays a crucial role in securing the Amarnath Yatra by providing protection along vulnerable stretches of the route and supporting other security forces.
As part of the final security preparations, a full-scale dry run was conducted on Monday along the Yatra route to evaluate convoy movement, deployment strategies and the overall security framework before the official start of the pilgrimage.
In a separate exercise, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the National Security Guard (NSG), carried out a joint counter-terrorism mock drill at the historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu.
The drill simulated a terrorist attack scenario and tested the preparedness of security personnel in handling emergency situations involving rapid intervention, area domination, hostage rescue, casualty evacuation and coordinated counter-terror operations.
Meanwhile, the administration has also begun distributing tokens to pilgrims at the Tawi River Front in Jammu ahead of the formal registration process.
To facilitate devotees, authorities have established 10 token distribution counters at the venue. A total of 1,600 tokens were issued on Tuesday, with 800 allotted for the traditional Pahalgam route and another 800 for the shorter Baltal route.
Officials said pilgrims receiving tokens will be eligible to complete their registration from Wednesday before proceeding on the annual pilgrimage, which remains one of the country's most significant religious events.