BSF DG reviews security preparedness ahead of Amarnath Yatra

BSF Director General Praveen Kumar reviewed security and preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3. Authorities conducted mock drills, assessed rescue capabilities, and launched token distribution in Jammu to ensure a safe, coordinated and smooth pilgrimage for devotees

Jammu: Ahead of the two-month-long holy pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, the Border Security Force (BSF) Director General (DG) reviewed the arrangements for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) on Tuesday. The Amarnath Yatra is set to begin from July 3 and as per officials, all preparations have been completed for the smooth and successful conduct of the pilgrimage.

BSF, the Central Armed Police Force entrusted with guarding India’s borders with Pakistan, plays a central role in providing safety and security to thousands of pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre high shrine.

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BSF DG Praveen Kumar, accompanied by top officials visited key spots and locations along the Yatra route and assessed operational preparedness including disaster response and mountain rescue capabilities, medical assistance for yatris and also anti-sabotage measures. He also reviewed coordination mechanisms with other security forces and civil authorities.

The DG stressed upon the importance of synergy and coordinated efforts to ensure a safe and secure Yatra for all devotees.

A day ago, a full-scale dry trial run was conducted along the yatra route by security personnel to assess security arrangements, convoy movement, and overall preparedness before the official commencement of the pilgrimage.

In Jammu, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the National Security Guard (NSG) conducted a joint counter-terror mock drill at the historic Raghunath Mandir.
The exercise simulated a high-risk terrorist attack scenario, testing the response capabilities of security agencies through rapid intervention, area domination, hostage rescue, casualty evacuation and coordinated operations. This involved seamless coordination among SOG Jammu, NSG and other security agencies.

Meanwhile, token distribution for the annual Yatra began today at the Tawi River Front in J&K’s Jammu city, ahead of the official registration process.

The administration has set up 10 token distribution counters at the venue to facilitate pilgrims. A total of 1,600 tokens have been issued, with 800 tokens allocated for the Pahalgam route and 800 for the Baltal route.

Officials said that pilgrims receiving tokens today will be able to complete their registration from tomorrow before proceeding on the holy pilgrimage.