600 additional para-military companies to be deployed for Amarnath yatra

With militancy on surge and unrest at its peak in the Kashmir Valley, the Centre has given nod to deploy 600 additional companies of para-military forces along the Amarnath yatra routes.

"Though there are no specific threats to pilgrims, the Central and State governments are taking no chances. The deployment will be made well in advance especially in south Kashmir districts to sanitize the areas from possible militants and stone pelters," sources told Deccan Herald.

The 40-day long pilgrimage is scheduled to start on June 29 from the twin routes of Baltal in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district and Chandanwari in southern Anantnag district.

They said the deployment of around 600 additional para-military companies for this year's yatra was nearly three times higher than the previous year. Notwithstanding the unrest and militancy in the Valley, State police chief Shesh Pal Vaid is optimistic that the yatra will pass on peacefully.

"Stringent security arrangements have been made for the yatra this year and I am hopeful it will be peaceful. We don't have any reports of stone pelting threats,” he said.

Around 2.5 lakh devotees have so far registered themselves for the arduous trek to south Kashmir Himalayas. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake the yatra in July and August to pay obeisance at the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of 11,998 feet in the Himalayas.

Last year around 2.21 lakh pilgrims offered prayers at the Shrine despite disturbances in the valley after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces. Though the authorities suspended the yatra for a few days after the situation turned volatile following Burhan's killing, there was no incident of stone pelting on pilgrims reported from anywhere.

Contradictory to the projections, Kashmiris, setting up an example of communal harmony, offered free meals to the pilgrims at various places including at Nigeen Club and Tourist Reception Center in Srinagar.

This year the yatra is starting just a week ahead of Burhan's first death anniversary when security agencies apprehend trouble. A senior police officer said 200 CCTVs would be installed at Baltal and Chandwari base camps, and also at the vital points en-route cave shrine. “The CCTVs will also be installed at various points along the highway stretch to ensure a close watch on the vehicles ferrying pilgrims,” he said.

The officer added there are apprehensions that militants may disrupt the yatra and for that south Kashmir route would be under highest security surveillance.  Asked whether they would need support from the Army, the officer said, “Army may press in Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for round the clock surveillance.”