Following Monday’s terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police has issued an advisory stating that Kanwariyas travelling through the Capital could be potential targets.
While the input received from intelligence agencies is not very specific, senior Delhi Police officers said that Kanwariyas remain vulnerable to such attacks and security would be stepped up along the routes taken by the devotees and next to the camps where they rest.
The advisory, which was issued by the Special Cell, stated that special measures and anti-terror arrangements need to be taken for the Kanwar Yatra.
‘Vulnerable targets’
“In view of the terrorist attack at Anantnag, it is advised that proper anti-terror arrangements be put in place at all vital installations, business establishments and other vulnerable targets, including crowded markets, malls, religious places, metro stations, airport and railway stations,” the advisory, with DCP (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwah as the undersigned, further added.
Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said that security has been specifically beefed up in north and northeast Delhi, from where Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) started arriving in the city on Monday.
To handle the heavy movement of Kanwariyas , Mr. Verma said that extra personnel will be deployed along many routes and Quick Response Teams would be available for speedy responses.
“Additionally, we will deploy personnel in plainclothes outside the shivirs where they camp. The beat staff of the respective areas where they pass through will also be told to keep an open eye. Security has been heightened all along their routes,” said Mr. Verma.
Commandos, snipers
Sources added that commandos may also be deployed at strategic locations along the entry points and temporary towers with snipers may also be placed on the routes taken by the Kanwariyas .
Following Monday’s attack, security has also been stepped up at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The Central Industrial Security Force, which provides security to the airport, said that random checks will be carried out and that passengers should try and reach the airport early for baggage checking and passenger frisking.
