Amarnath yatra 2018: GoI to deploy additional 80 paramilitary companies

New Delhi, Apr 24: In view of prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has agreed to the request made by the state government of deploying additional companies of paramilitary forces for the upcoming Shri Amarnath pilgrimage starting from June 28.
“For incident free and secure Amarnath yatra starting from June 28, the state home department has written to the Centre seeking additional deployment of forces,” an official here told news gathering agency UNI.
They said agreeing to the plea made by the state authorities, the Centre will deploy 80 additional companies in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.
“Out of total 80 companies, 35 will be deployed in Jammu region and 45 in the Kashmir,” said the sources.
The paramilitary troops comprising CRPF, SSB will be deployed across the state who will be manning national highways, Road Opening Parties (RoPs), sensitive areas along borders besides twin Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir.
“Moreover, BSF and Army will be guarding the borders and keep vigil on cross border activity,” they said and added that the state police will assist all the sister concern security agencies and the troops deployed at many locations.
“As Pakistan may attempt of pushing terrorists or play spoilsport by provoking stone pelters to disrupt the upcoming pilgrimage to the cave shrine situated in the south Kashmir, the Army and BSF besides paramilitary troops, have been asked to remain alert and counter nefarious designs,” said sources.
The troops will also be deployed at the Jammu-based Yatri Bhawan — the base camp for the pilgrims.
However the online registration for the Amarnath Yatra has crossed one lakh mark on April 12, an official said.
This year the Amarnath Yatra will be commencing from June 28 and conclude on August 26.
Meanwhile, arrangements for online booking of helicopter tickets in collaboration with the helioperators for the Shri Amarnath Yatra had also been finalised.