Pahalgam Attack: Uttarakhand police seek central forces for Char Dham Yatra
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Uttarakhand police have approached the central government to provide central forces to support the security setup during Char Dham Yatra after the recent terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The police have also increased vigilance ahead of the Char Dham Yatra which is scheduled to begin on April 30, the additional director general of police (Crime, Law and Order) V Murugesan said.
He informed that the police headquarters has deployed Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in border areas and issued alerts in international border regions where ITBP is already stationed. He stated that efforts are underway to obtain additional central forces. He informed that the police have prepared a roadmap to implement special security measures for the pilgrimage. He stated that security personnel will use dog squads to check for prohibited items during the pilgrimage. “The goal is to ensure that the pilgrimage remains smooth while maintaining necessary vigilance. Instructions have been given to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to pilgrims while enforcing security protocols,” he said.
Murugesan stated that police briefings and alertness levels will be increased during the Yatra in response to the sensitivity of the situation. He said that Inspector Generals (IGs) of both divisions in Uttarakhand have received directives to remain alert and all field officers have been asked to stay present on the ground. “All SSPs and SPs have been directed to conduct checking operations at railway stations, bus stands and other public areas. They will also carry out surprise inspections from time to time. Officers have been instructed to act in accordance with the training they have received to respond to terror threats,” the ADG said.
