BHADERWH: Deputy Inspector General of Police, DKR Range, Sargun Shukla, IPS, on Monday undertook a day-long visit to Bhaderwah to review security preparedness along high-ridge areas and strategically important stretches of the designated Yatra route ahead of the upcoming Holy Kailash Yatra.
Accompanied by SSP Doda Kartik Shrotriya, IPS, Additional SP Bhaderwah Vinod Kumar, JKPS, DySP Operations Bhaderwah Amit Kumar, JKPS, and other officers and personnel of the Police, Army and CAPF, the DIG conducted a comprehensive assessment of security arrangements along the route, with particular focus on high-altitude and strategically sensitive locations.
During the visit, Shukla reviewed troop deployment, operational readiness, communication arrangements, access routes, surveillance and other security measures, besides interacting with personnel deployed on the ground. Territorial officers briefed her on the security situation and preparedness at key locations, including Chattergala, Seoz Top and Kailash Kund.
The DIG also took stock of advance security measures undertaken for area sanitisation, effective area domination and round-the-clock surveillance along the Yatra route. She directed officers and personnel to maintain a high degree of alertness and ensure close coordination among the Police, Army, CAPF and other stakeholders for the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Given the challenging terrain and the expected movement of pilgrims, Shukla stressed the need to put all arrangements in place well in advance. Particular emphasis was laid on communication, accessibility, deployment and emergency-response mechanisms, with officers directed to address any potential security or operational challenges promptly.
The DIG said the safety and security of pilgrims must remain the foremost priority and called upon personnel to discharge their duties with professionalism, dedication and vigilance.
During the visit, Shukla also interacted with local residents of Chattergala and Bhaderwah, heard their grievances and assured them of early redressal of genuine concerns. The residents assured the Police of their full cooperation and support for the peaceful, safe and successful conduct of the Kailash Yatra.
Appreciating the cooperation extended by the local community, the DIG emphasised that close coordination between the Police and residents was essential for ensuring a secure and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Ahead of the field visit, the DIG DKR Range had also chaired a series of coordination meetings involving the Police, Army, CAPF, civil administration and other stakeholders to further strengthen security preparedness along the Yatra route. The meetings also reviewed arrangements for the safety and security of pilgrims at advance langar locations established by volunteers, the Yatra Trust, NGOs and other stakeholders at various points along the route.
The coordinated security measures are aimed at ensuring that the pilgrimage passes off peacefully while providing pilgrims with a safe and secure environment across the challenging high-altitude stretches of the Yatra route.
