New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed various aspects of the Amarnath Yatra, particularly BRO’s assistance at difficult stretches at high altitudes. “Discussed road infrastructure for Amarnath Yatra and BRO’s assistance at difficult stretches in challenging terrain at high altitudes which will greatly ease the trek to the holy cave,” LG Sinha wrote on Twitter. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured Sinha of all possible assistance by the Centre required to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra, sources said. Amidst a surge in targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir, many security review meetings have taken place in the past few days both in New Delhi and in Srinagar. Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and heads of all Central Armed Police Forces and senior officials of the central intelligence agencies have also reviewed the preparations of the annual pilgrimage. It is believed that the government has taken some decisions on curbing the targeted killings and preventing subversive activities during the Yatra which begins on June 30 and would last till August 11. “All security forces in Kashmir are working in concert to ensure security, safety and administrative support to the event,” sources in the Indian Army said adding that attempts by inimical elements to disrupt the Yatra cannot be ruled out. Sources further said that the Jammu and Kashmir government could seek an additional 400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces from the Centre for making fool proof security arrangements for the pilgrimage. Sources in the Indian Army said that all elements of the threat spectrum are being considered while putting in place measures to obviate untoward contingencies. UNI ASU RKM
