SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir police have confirmed that the areas around Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine (SMVDS) are safe, with no reports of suspicious activity.
The public and pilgrims have been advised not to panic, as security forces have conducted thorough searches in the surrounding villages and approaches to the shrine.
In a statement a police spokesman said, “Attention is invited to a voice message from SP Reasi Mohita, wherein she instructs the police and alerts sister security agencies to respond to a report received yesterday afternoon about suspicious movements in a peripheral village near the shrine.”
“Police, with the help of the army, paramilitary, and security agencies, have searched all the approach tracks and slopes behind the shrine multiple times and have concluded the operation, declaring the area clear. There is absolutely no reason to panic,” the police added.
Since the 9 June militant attack on a bus carrying pilgrims back from the Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district, followed by incidents in Hiranagar in Kathua district and Chattergala and Gundoh in Doda district, rumours have been widespread. Consequently, security forces remain on high alert. However, they are taking no risks and have been responding promptly to any alerts received in the Jammu region—(KNO).
