Multi-agency security review, mock drills intensified ahead of Amarnath, Buddha Amarnath Yatras
Jammu: Police on Wednesday reviewed the prevailing security situation and stepped up preparedness measures across Jammu division to ensure the safe, secure and smooth conduct of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Buddha Amarnath Yatra and Kousar Nag pilgrimage.
A subsidiary multi-agency centre (SMAC) meeting was held at the district police lines in Reasi under the chairmanship of Senior Superintendent of Police Mukund Tibrewal to assess security arrangements in view of the upcoming pilgrimages, officials said.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the police, Army, CRPF, CISF, BSF, JKAP, intelligence agencies and other security establishments, while station house officers of Reasi district joined virtually.
Officials briefed the meeting on the prevailing security scenario and preparedness measures. Discussions focused on law and order management, counter-terrorism strategies, surveillance of overground workers (OGWs), monitoring of surrendered militants and missing youth, prevention of radicalisation and intelligence-led operations.
The SSP stressed the need to strengthen security along pilgrimage routes, vulnerable locations and key infrastructure, including the Chenab and Anji railway bridges.
He directed agencies to conduct regular mock drills, intensify area domination exercises around religious and strategic sites and enhance engagement with residents of fringe villages.
He also called for support in training Village Defence Groups (VDGs) and urged security personnel to remain alert against potential threats arising from suspicious international-origin calls and information leaks.
Emphasising the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination, Tibrewal directed verification of CCTV cameras near security establishments and greater use of surveillance technologies, including drones, along yatra routes.
Reviewing pilgrimage-specific arrangements, he stressed strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), regular briefing of deployed personnel and public awareness campaigns highlighting safety guidelines.
He also directed SDRF and other agencies to remain prepared for monsoon-related emergencies and ordered thorough verification of pony operators and porters from Reasi engaged for Amarnath Yatra duties.
The Samba Police, in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), conducted a long-range patrolling exercise along the national highway from Samba Chowk to Nonath in Ghagwal as part of security preparations for the annual pilgrimage, they said.
The exercise focused on area domination, inspection of vulnerable locations and strengthening security presence along the Yatra route, they said.
Security personnel from CISF, SSB and CRPF also participated in the exercise, which authorities said helped improve operational coordination among different forces ahead of the pilgrimage.
A mock drill simulating a terrorist attack scenario was also conducted at the Nonath Lodgement Centre for pilgrims. The exercise assessed emergency response mechanisms, coordination and crisis-management capabilities of security agencies, they said.
Officials noted that such drills and patrolling exercises would continue to maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure a secure environment for pilgrims.
In Ramban district, a joint mock drill involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CISF, CRPF and disaster management agencies was conducted at Yatra langar sites in Chanderkote and Mehaar along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, they said.
The exercise simulated multiple emergency situations, including a fire incident, a suspected drone sighting and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) blast, to test the preparedness and response capabilities of security and emergency services.
Separately, Jammu and Kashmir police carried out a search and sanitisation operation at the old bus stand in Jammu city as part of heightened security measures ahead of the pilgrimage.
Officials reiterated that there would be no room for complacency and said proactive policing, robust intelligence sharing and coordinated action among all security agencies would remain key to ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the forthcoming pilgrimages.
