Security forces keep close watch on pilgrimages in terror-hit areas

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, August 8

With the Pakistan-trained terrorists on the loose in forest areas, three pilgrimages in the regions which have witnessed attacks in recent times in Jammu division have put the security forces on toes.

The Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar, Budha Amarnath Yatra in Poonch and Kausar Nag Yatra in Reasi are going on simultaneously besides Amarnath Yatra which also traverses through many districts of Jammu division.

Sniffer dogs, drones to help keep vigil

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• Security forces are keeping eye through drones and other technical surveillance in the forest areas close to the Yatra routes. n Sniffer dogs are also being used to secure the areas. Additional troops have also been deployed in parts of Jammu region.
• Three pilgrimages in the region have witnessed terror attacks in recent times in the Jammu

  division

The Army, the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are keeping a close watch on the routes of these pilgrimages which meanders through many forest areas. Poonch and Reasi have witnessed terror attacks in recent past whereas forest areas of Kishtwar also have presence of ultras while its adjoining Doda district has witnessed multiple attacks in past few months.

Machail Mata Yatra which commenced on July 25 has witnessed 75,919 devotees paying their obeisance till August 7. The pilgrims travel from Jammu to Kishtwar and then proceed to Padder. From Padder to Chishoti there is a 19.5 km of motorable path but the last 8.5 km from Chishoti to Machail have to be covered on foot.

Kishtwar SSP Abdul Qayoom has held multiple meetings with the police officials of the district for peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage. The SSP has ordered increase of police personnel on the route of the Yatra.

On the other hand Budha Amarnath Yatra which commenced on Wednesday (August 7) is being monitored by senior police and paramilitary officials. The temple where the pilgrimage reaches is situated amid thick forest area surrounded by mountains in Mandi, 25-km north-east of Poonch city.

Poonch has witnessed terror activities for the past over one year in which many soldiers have been killed especially during ambush of vehicles by Pakistan trained ultras. The security forces are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the cavalcades of pilgrims are secured.

Meanwhile, Kausar Nag Yatra in Reasi also began on August 7 amid tight security arrangements. Jammu ADGP Anand Jain had held a review of security arrangements for the pilgrimage.

Reasi district had witnessed an attack on bus of pilgrims which was on its way to Katra from Shiv Khori shrine in the district on June 9 in which nine people were killed.