Devotees embarking on the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir would be provided a multi-layered high tech security by the government, amidst reports of terrorists planning attacks to sabotage the pilgrimage. The Yatra is scheduled to begin on 28 June.
As per an Indian Express report, a multi-layered security cordon comprising of 40,000 CRPF and BSF jawans, along with army and police personnel might be set up to protect the devotees. Besides this, the Home Ministry is planning on installing high tech security infrastructure like jammers, bulletproof bunkers, CCTV cameras, dog squads and satellites to add another layer of protection. These satellites would be used to track the movement of all the pilgrims – expected to number around 3 lakh this year.
A DNA report quotes CRPF Commandant Ashish Kumar Jha as stating that vehicles carrying pilgrims would be fitted with RFID tags to help security forces to keep a real time track on their movements. This decision was taken during a meeting between the CRPF and police personnel, which included attendees like Jammu & Kashmir DGP – SP Vaid and Special DG CRPF – V S K Kaumudi.
In order to review the security arrangements, meetings have also taken place between the security forces and Home Minister Rajnath Singh plus his officials.
The news of such a security arrangement might not come as much of a surprise considering the tragedy in July last year, when seven Amarnath pilgrims including six women had been killed when terrorists had attacked a bus carrying 60 such devotees.
What might also add further gravity to the matter is the fact that reports have claimed a security threat on this year’s Amarnath Yatra as well. As per an Economic Times report, the terrorists might be planning a different form of attack to surprise the security forces which might include improvised explosive devices (IEDs).