STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: VHP on Friday demanded elaborate security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, starting from July 2, citing recent terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley.
“Elaborate security arrangements should be made for the Amarnath Yatra in the wake of the chain of terror incidents that took place in Kashmir during the month,” Jammu and Kashmir Vishva Hindu Parishad patron Ramakant Dubey told reporters here.
The outfit also demanded urgent repairs of the J-K highway to ensure smooth and trouble-free Yatra to the Valley.
Expressing apprehensions over the smooth conduct of the ensuing Amarnath Yatra, he said the progress achieved so far in the context is certainly under doubt.
“Right from the day one, discussions, meetings and security reviews have been started at various levels…It is not understood, how many sittings have taken place for the conduct of the Yatra, but ground realities are invisible.
“Considering the time left for the start of the Yatra, it looks uncertain that all arrangements like security, clearance of snow on the route, establishment of other facilities like ‘langar’, toilets and health facilities will be in place,” he said.
“The actions of anti-Yatra elements are also a matter of concern. Devotees come not only from the country but abroad as well. And, lack of arrangements is discouraging,” he said.
“Security forces in large numbers should be deployed for the smooth conduct of the Yatra…,” Dubey demanded.
Noting that wayside shelters, medical facilities, communication and road worthiness are the major issues, he said “till the date no efforts have been made by the board and state government in this regard”.
“The highway and roads from Jammu to Pahalgam and Sonamarg is in the worst condition, tracks from Chandanwari to cave shrine and Baltal to the cave shrine are under thick layer of snow, which requires sufficient time for clearance that too when weather permits,” he said.
The government should take steps on war footing to repair the highway for smooth conduct of the Yatra, Dubey said. (PTI)
