Keeping in view the terror incidents in the South Kashmir ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the security forces will deploy…
(PHOTO: AFP)
Keeping in view the terror incidents in the South Kashmir ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the security forces will deploy 35 sniffer dog squads on the Pahalgam and Baltal routes as an anti-sabotage step. Besides, 12 avalanche rescue teams will also be deployed on the two routes. The Yatra begins on 29 June.
The decision was taken at a review meet of the security arrangements, chaired by Governor NN Vohra in Srinagar.
The security forces ordered that the vehicles carrying pilgrims shall cross the Jawahar Tunnel before3.30 pm and no pilgrim shall be allowed to cross the tunnel after the deadline.
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It was decided that the Army, J&K Police, BSF and CRPF will deploy 35 dog squads along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, of which 27 would be on the Pahalgam axis and eight on the Baltal route. These dog squads are trained for carrying out anti- sabotage checks and other security related duties.
It was also decided that a total of 24 Rescue Teams will be deployed during the pilgrimage that begins on 29 June. These teams will include J&K Armed Police, SDRF and the NDRF, to be equipped with all rescue tools, including Oxygen Cylinders. Eight Mountain Rescue Teams of the J&K Armed Police will be deployed to help women and ailing pilgrims in negotiating difficult stretches on the Yatra routes.
Umang Narula, chief executive officer of the Amarnath Shrine Board, said that a total of 12 Avalanche Rescue Teams, 11 teams of the State Disaster Response Force and one team of CRPF will be deployed on both the routes. Of these, seven teams will be deployed along the Pahalgam route at Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal-Nagakoti; Sheshnag, MG Top, Panjtarni, Holy Cave and five teams along the Baltal route at Baltal, Domel, Railpatri, Brarimarg and Sangam Top. Besides, four Search and Rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also being deployed at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and Baltal.
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