SRINAGAR: In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir on June 21 for International Yoga Day, and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Centre has ordered the deployment of over 500 companies (approximately 50,000 personnel) of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Chandigarh newspaper, The Tribune reported.
The significant security measures come in response to recent militant attacks in the region and aim to ensure the safety of both the Prime Minister and the thousands of pilgrims expected for the Yatra.
“According to sources, during a high-level meeting of Home Ministry officials on Thursday night, soon after the PM reviewed security in the UT, it was decided that CAPFs be deployed along the route to be taken by the PM as well as on the arduous Amarnath Yatra route,” the newspaper reported.
Prime Minister Modi is set to perform yoga near Dal Lake in Srinagar to mark International Yoga Day. His visit follows closely after the Reasi attack, where fugitives targeted a bus carrying pilgrims, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals. This incident, along with recent attacks in Kathua, Doda, and Reasi, has heightened security concerns in the region.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, comprehensive strategies were discussed to address the security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, held on June 14, was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and top officials from the Army, CRPF, and other security agencies. Shah is scheduled to hold another review meeting on June 16 to further assess the security preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit and the Amarnath Yatra.
During the meeting, Shah emphasised the necessity of a robust security apparatus and instructed officials to intensify actions against sympathisers of militants under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This includes preparing a list of individuals in the Jammu division suspected of supporting terrorist activities, with measures to seize their properties and bar their family members from government jobs, similar to actions already implemented in the Kashmir Valley.
The recent attacks have prompted a multi-layered security strategy, particularly focusing on strategic installations and vulnerable areas. Modi’s security review meeting on Thursday underscored the importance of deploying India’s full range of counter-terror capabilities. The Prime Minister directed the use of all available resources and strategies to effectively combat terrorism, stressing the need for a coordinated response to potential threats.
In the past week, militants have struck at four locations in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts, leading to multiple casualties among civilians and security personnel. The most devastating was the attack on a bus en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, resulting in nine deaths and numerous injuries. In response, security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across the region.
In Kathua’s Saida Sukhal village, a recent operation led to the elimination of two suspected Pakistani infiltrators and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including sophisticated rifles and communication equipment. Police have also released sketches of four militants involved in the Doda attacks and announced a Rs 20 lakh reward for information leading to their arrest.
In Reasi, the search for suspects has intensified, with 50 individuals detained so far. Authorities have issued advisories urging vigilance among residents in the Jammu region due to potential terror threats, particularly in Rajouri and Jammu districts.
As preparations for the Amarnath Yatra proceed, security forces are enhancing measures to safeguard the pilgrimage. Additional Director General of Police Vijay Kumar has instructed the fortification of security infrastructure, improved surveillance, and the deployment of anti-sabotage teams along the Yatra routes. Joint meetings with police, Army, CAPFs, and other agencies are being held to ensure a coordinated and effective security plan. Specialized forces like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) may also be mobilized to address vulnerabilities along the pilgrimage route.
