Srinagar, June 12: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Shri V.K. Birdi, on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Muharram observances and the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela.
The meeting was held at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir and attended by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, intelligence agencies, Traffic Police, Railways, Telecommunication and other security and civil departments.
During the meeting, officers briefed the IGP on deployment strategies, route security, intelligence coordination, traffic regulation, communication preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and logistical arrangements planned for the smooth conduct of the upcoming events.
Reviewing preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, Birdi directed officers to ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and undertake all preventive measures to address potential security challenges. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly at vulnerable locations and along designated pilgrimage routes.
The IGP also reviewed contingency plans, disaster management preparedness, crowd-control mechanisms and coordination protocols to ensure swift and effective handling of any unforeseen situation during the pilgrimage.
While reviewing arrangements for Muharram, Birdi stressed the importance of ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of religious processions and gatherings across the Valley. He directed officers to put in place comprehensive security and traffic management plans, strengthen crowd-control measures and maintain close coordination with organizers and community representatives.
Regarding preparations for the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, the IGP instructed officers to ensure robust security and facilitation measures for devotees expected to participate in the religious event. He called for thorough sanitisation of shrine premises, adequate deployment of security personnel and effective traffic regulation to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for visitors.
Emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination, Birdi urged all participating agencies to maintain seamless communication and adopt a unified operational approach to ensure the successful conduct of all upcoming events.
Concluding the meeting, the IGP expressed confidence in the preparedness of the security establishment and reiterated the commitment of all agencies to ensuring the peaceful, secure and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, Muharram and Mela Kheer Bhawani.
