Army’s Northern Commander reviews Amarnath yatra security

SRINAGAR: Army Northern Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday reviewed the security and operational preparedness for Amarnath yatra, officials said.

Lt Gen Dwivedi visited Panjtarni astride Southern Route for Amarnath yatra to review security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

The annual 62-long Amarnath Yatra is commencing from July 1 from the twin route of Pahalgam in South Kashmir and Baltal in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

He also reviewed the status of deployment of security forces & opening of Southern Route affected by heavy snowfall this season and the preparatory arrangements were reviewed. He interacted with troops and appreciated their tireless efforts being put in despite adverse weather conditions.

The Army Commander had a comprehensive briefing with all stakeholders including Chief Engineer Project BEACON, praising the “All Inclusive Approach” to synergize efforts.

The review encompassed multi-tiered security measures, medical facilities, helipads, habitat construction, deployment of emergency rescue teams and seamless communication network operationalised for successful conduct of Yatra.

Meanwhile, a 72-feet high mast national flag was hoisted in the Udhampur today, marking the 52nd Raising Day celebrations of the Army’s Northern Command, a Defence spokesman said.

Chief of Staff, Northern Command, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta inaugurated the national flag at Pachouri Park, dedicated by the flag foundation of India to the people of Udhampur on the occasion of the Northern Command’s Raising Day, the spokesman said.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Sengupta praised the efforts of all involved in the planning and execution of the project.

“The High Mast Flag installed at Pachouri Park symbolises national pride, unity, hope, progress and will constantly remind people of Udhampur of the strength and resilience,” he said.

The locals also appreciated the Indian Army for the unique initiative which will remain etched in the history of the Udhampur and reflect the sense of patriotism of the local populace, the spokesman said.

The Udhampur-based Northern Command has been at the forefront of the nation’s effort on the western and northern borders as well as to counter security challenges posed by terrorism and externally sponsored proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Command has been in ‘Operational mode’ since its very inception, having seen a large number of high and low-intensity operations, an Army official said.

“Today, Northern Command is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to counter the most serious challenge to her security, the scourge of terrorism and the vicious proxy war in J&K. Thus, whether officially at peace or in operations, the troops of the command have always been in combat,” he added.