Jammu on 'high alert' as Amarnath Yatra begins on June 18

Jammu, Jun 16 (UNI) Tight security arrangements have been made in Jammu and Kashmir for the smooth and successful conduct of two-month long annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin from June 18 here, official sources today said.

''With intelligence inputs suggesting that the militants may target sensitive areas and disrupt the yatra especially in Jammu, from where the annual pilgrimage will be flagged off day after, various security agencies and police are taking no chances,'' sources told UNI.

However, the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir is on ''high alert'' and three-tired security arrangements have also been put in place at a newly built Yatri Bhawan where thousands of pilgrims will be camping throughout the yatra, sources added.

''Based on information, sensitive areas in the city are being frisked by the police teams for suspected persons as house to house searches are on focusing thickly populated areas and under construction houses,'' police sources said.

Moreover, special instructions have been given to the Station House Officers (SHOs) to be more vigilant and keep close watch within their jurisdictions, police sources said asserting, ''tenants staying here in different localities of the city, have been asked to submit their details to the near by police stations for security reasons.'' ''Jammu being a hub of festivity, may be on the 'hit list' and according to the intelligence inputs, attempts to upset two-month long yatra by the anti-national elements cannot be ruled out,'' a senior police official told UNI.

Special arrangements, including food and clothing besides basic amenities have been made and a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan have also been dedicated today by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to the thousands of pilgrims from across the country, who are reaching here to proceed forward for annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

UNI VBH SP VC1602