Snipers, anti-drone system to be deployed for Amarnath Yatra

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, June 23

In wake of inputs that terrorists may try to disrupt the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, rooftop snipers and anti-drone system will be deployed at different places in Jammu to provide safety to the pilgrims.

The pilgrimage will start after a gap of two years on June 30 with continuous efforts by Pakistan-backed ultras and ISI to create hindrance in one of the most revered pilgrimage of Hindus.

However, police in Jammu, where lakhs of pilgrims will stay at different locations, are set with a strategy to take on any plans of ultras against the yatra. Police have already deployed men at different areas where the pilgrims will stay. It has also decided to station snipers on buildings on yatra route in Jammu.

Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chandan Kohli said that adequate security arrangements have been put in place ahead of pilgrimage. “We have also deployed men at railway station, airport and other locations, so that pilgrims are kept safe from any threat,” he said.

The SSP, while addressing the media in Jammu, informed that in wake of threat of drones from across the border that can take a flight for long distances, anti-drone systems have been installed at different locations to deal with the threat.

Drones carrying arms and ammunition from the Pakistani side have been detected along the border in the recent past and many of them have also been shot down by BSF and police.

The SSP expressed concerns that there were new challenged like sticky bombs and IEDs movement of which are being seized by the police from time to time.

“Convoys of pilgrims will be provided foolproof security as there will be Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) at many locations. Sanitising of the routes will take place by road opening parties before the convoys move. Area domination are also being held by the security forces” said Chandan Kohli.

The SSP also said that there is a threat of sticky bombs in Jammu and people who park their vehicles at public places must have a look on the surface before getting seated in their vehicle.