JAMMU: In view of the forthcoming Navratra Festival, Sarah Rizvi, IPS, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, chaired a joint security review meeting at Katra to assess and strengthen preparedness for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the holy festival.
The meeting was attended by SSP Reasi, Commanding Officer CRPF 6th Battalion, SP Katra, SDPO Katra, DySP Bhawan, and officers from the Army, Intelligence Bureau, CID, Railways, Traffic Police and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
During the meeting, SSP Reasi presented a comprehensive security grid plan for Katra town and briefed on arrangements for Katra Town, yatra route and the Shrine. The DIG emphasized that ensuring foolproof security for pilgrims during the holy festival remains the foremost priority.
Key directions issued included the establishment of random checkpoints to intensify vehicle checking and round-the-clock joint long-range patrolling by J&K Police and CRPF. Additional measures such as enhanced foot patrolling, deployment on high ridges, activation of VDGs and continuous area domination exercises and launch of LRPs were also stressed.
Special focus was laid on crowd management to ensure the safety of pilgrims to prevent any untoward incident of sabotage including stampedes. The DIG also directed strict verification drives, including census and background checks of migrants, construction workers, pony porters and others entering Katra town.
Regular inspections of hotels, lodgings and homestays were also emphasized to verify the antecedents of visitors.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on inter-agency coordination and cooperation to ensure a secure and hassle-free Navratra festival for all devotees visiting the Shrine.
