QRTs deployed for security of Vaishno Devi pilgrims during Navratri festival

Joint Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) comprising police and CRPF personnel are being deployed at all entry and exit points of Mata Vaish Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir for festival of Navratri, officials said on Wednesday.

decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi range, Sujit Kumar, at Katra, base camp for pilgrims visiting cave shrine, on Tuesday, officials said.

Security arrangements at shrine were reviewed at meeting in view of festival commencing from October 17.

officials said Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Rashmi Wazir was briefed about arrangements me right from shrine to Katra town and its outskirts.

“Detailed discussions were held to ensure elaborate security arrangements during festival,” y said, ding officers present during meeting were asked to work in close coordination with or ncies and Central Paramilitary forces.

In his dress, DIG directed strict implementation of COVID-19 protocol, especially physical distancing.

He also asked officials concerned to hold discussions with organisers and manment of shrine for better coordination during festival season.

Officials were asked to ensure that checking squs deployed around Katra town are fully strengned to ensure effective checking and frisking round--clock. "Joint QRTs of CRPF and police should be deployed on all entry and exit points to react immediately in case of any exigency,” officials said.

Later, DIG along with or officers visited all vital locations in Katra town and Vaish Devi Bhawan and checked deployment, officials said.  As many as 7,000 pilgrims are being allowed per day to pay obeisance at shrine from October 15. shrine was reopened for pilgrims on August 16 with a cap of 2000 pilgrims after five months closure due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Im credits: PTI