Amarnath Yatra: Sitharaman reviews security arrangements
SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday visited the Kashmir Valley to review the security situation ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
Accompanied by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, the minister was received by Lt General Ranbir Singh, the Northern Army Commander and Lt General AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps Commander.
“The Raksha Mantri was briefed about the security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. She was subsequently given an update by the Chinar Corps Commander in Badami Bagh Cantonment on the latest security scenario in the Valley, including details of Counter Infiltration and Counter Terrorist Operations undertaken in the recent past,” defence ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said here.
Later, the defence minister also interacted with governor NN Vohra in Srinagar and discussed the overall security situation, the spokesman said.
The minister also visited the Baltal base camp of Amarnath Yatra in Sonmarg, Ganderbal district, where she received a briefing on the Yatra security arrangements.
She reviewed security situation along the yatra route and directed officials to maintain high level security during the Yatra which will start later this week on June 28.
CURRENT RESERVATION COUNTERS TO OPEN TODAY
JAMMU: To facilitate devotees undertaking Amarnath Yatra, the current reservation counters will start operating from Tuesday.
Amarnath Shrine Board in co-ordination with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, state tourism department and local administration will start five current reservation counters in Jammu and one in Kashmir from Tuesday.
“The general public can get on-spot/current reservation in Jammu at Vaishnavi Dham, Saraswati Dham outside Jammu railway station and for priests at Ram Mandir Purani Mandi and at Geeta Bhawan, Parade from June 26,” said Arun Manhas, additional deputy commissioner Jammu.
From Wednesday, current reservation will also commence from the Mahajan Hall as well, he added.