Railway Police enhances security grid ahead of Amarnath Yatra, conducts mock drill at Jammu

Jammu, Jun 24: Jammu and Kashmir Railway Police on Monday conducted a mock drill exercise in view of enhanced security grid to check preparations ahead of annual Amarnath pilgrimage, starting from July 1.

The first batch of Pilgrims will be flagged off on June 30 from Jammu-based Yatri Niwas Bhawan and start from Srinagar on July 1.

However, the Railway Police apart from dog squads and installation of more closed circuit cameras, have also made additional deployment along the railways track from Kathua to Jammu to Katra.

A joint control room has also been set up, monitoring the CCTVs to keep check on any unwanted movement round the clock while quick reaction teams are also introduced.

"This time, at an average 70,000 to 75,000 pilgrims will be reaching to Jammu Tawi Railway station and for their security, elaborate arrangements have been made," said a senior police official.

SSP Railways, J S Sambyal said, "Additional troops have been deployed not only around the platform or the station area but all along the track as well, who are manning it round the clock."

"All bridges, tubes and tunnels will be searched and frisked on daily basis while our men have geared up to counter any nefarious design of anti-social elements," he added.

Meanwhile, during the mock drill exercise, the railway police searched passenger coaches with the help of dog squad, luggage of passengers at the platform, railway track and conducted other security preparation related exercises.