Srinagar, Jun 26 (UNI) Asking security force agencies to strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Wednesday reiterated the need to cover all sensitive and vulnerable places, including possible points of infiltration, in order to obviate any type of risk to the yatra.
Mr Shah on Wednesday conducted a review meeting of the security arrangements for Amarnath yatra which was attended by Governor Satya Pal Malik, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, J&K Chief Secretary B V R Subramanium and commanders of all security force agencies, including Army, CRPF at S K International Convention Center (SKICC), Union Special Secretary, Home (Internal Security), A P Maheshwari told reporters tonight during a press conference.
He said during the meeting the Union Home Minister laid emphasis on various points critical for the security of the yatra.
Mr Shah, during the meeting, directed all security agencies to be fully alert and take preventive steps to ensure violence free yatra. “There should be no laxity. Strict enforcement of SOPs should be followed,” he said.
The Union Home Minister said that forces should ensure optimum use of latest technology and gadgets not only for the security of the yatra, but also to facilitate the movement of the devotees and the tourists.
Mr Shah directed security forces to pay attention towards anti-sabotage as well as anti-subversion drills and the access control procedures. In this context, the Home Minister underscored the need for prompt response of the security forces towards counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) measures.
Mr Shah also underlined the importance of the SOPs for yatra convoy movement in particular, ensuring timely dispatch of convoys and ensuring no movement of yatries after cut-off timings. Barricades should be erected at suitable locations and no differentiations should be made between yatries and tourists.
The Home Minister said that security forces should continue taking action against miscreants.
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