Security of Amarnath Yatris prime concern of GoI, JK Govt: Union MoS Home

Union Ministers addresses joint Press Conference

Dr Jitendra applauds commendable role of locals in reaching out to victims

SRINAGAR, JULY 12: Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of State for Home, Hans Raj Ahir and today said that both the centre and the J&K government are very much concerned about the security of Amarnath Yatris and every possible step is being taken to ensure safe and smooth pilgrimage.

"We visited Kashmir to review the security scenario after the attack on Amarnath Yatris and had separate meetings with the Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and senior officers of army, police and paramilitary forces," the union Ministers said at a joint press conference here today.

They said while adequate security arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the Yatra, "after the tragic attack near Botengoo in Anantnag, the security has been further beefed up." He said that the number of Yatris has increased this year which shows people have faith in both centre and state governments and  despite the unfortunate incident, Yatra is going on smoothly and people are visiting Kashmir without any fear.

"After the unfortunate loss of life and injuries to the Yatris in the attack, the entire security apparatus has been put on high alert and instructions have been issued to strengthen Road  Opening Party (ROP) network till late hours on Yatra route," the Union Home Minister added.

Terming the incident an attack on humanity in which innocent people especially women were targeted, the Union Minister said that the attack was condemned by every section of the society within and outside the State which shows that there is no place for violence in our society. He especially thanked people of Kashmir for condemning the attack on Yatris in one voice and reaching out to the victims in the hour of need.

While applauding the efforts of Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti, after the attack, Hans Raj Ahir said that the CM has handled the situation very well and she personally visited Anantnag to oversee rescue operation throughout night and spent time with the victims. “The role of Chief Minister has been appreciated by whole nation and she performed her responsibilities very well”, he added.

During the visit, we also met two injured Yatris getting treatment in SKIMS and were informed by the doctors that their condition is stable”. He said that earlier, bodies of 7 deceased Yatris, 20 injured Yatris and 31 other Yatris were airlifted by a special aircraft to Surat.

MoS in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh said that we are here to express our solidarity with the people of Kashmir on behalf of the Government of India and especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said there was huge surge of emotions across the country over the attack on pilgrims and Union Home Minister is personally monitoring the security situation after this gruesome attack.

Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the civil society members, people of state particularly Kashmiris for coming out and condemning the attack in unequivocal terms. He said that the civil society has proved and vindicated the faith that India stands for. He also acknowledged the role of security forces in fighting terrorism in the State and said that we have the best forces of the world which are capable to giving befitting reply to enemies of humanity.

Minister of State also thanked the local and national media for their role during this tough time and also urged them to show positive side of Kashmir to the world. He said that even after the attack, the Yatris were insistent that the Yatra should not be stopped and this spirit shows that nothing will stop us to move ahead.

Assuring the journalists about the security arrangements after the attack, Dr Jitendra Singh said that security experts are looking into all the aspects which lead to this unfortunate attack on innocent people and all the inputs will be considered to further strengthen the security cover to the pilgrims and visitors.

"Our visit stresses the re-assurance that the entire country is with the Kashmiris and Yatris and that all the arrangements for a safe and secure Yatra will continue with renewed vigor," Dr Jitendra Singh assured to journalists.

Later, the Ministers also replied to the queries by the journalists relating to security situation in state after the terror attack on Amarnath Yatris and action plan of central government to further enhance security grid in Kashmir.   

J&K DGP Dr S P Vaid, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan, Joint Secretary MHA Gyanesh Kumar, Principle Secretary, Home J&K, R K Goyal, senior officers of army and CRPF were also present on the occasion.