SRINAGAR - Ahead of the bi-annual Amarnath pilgrimage starting mid-June, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has beefed up security to ensure an unhindered Yatra for pilgrims.

“We have stepped up our security set up for smooth conduct and incident-free Yatra from Lakhanpur, Jammu to Amarnath cave in south Kashmir. CRPF has also put in place anti-IED devices, frisking, screening equipment, other security gadgets and sniffer dogs,” said P Tripathi, spokesman for Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Apart from CRPF companies, two women CRPF companies have also been inducted for the security of women pilgrims this year, Tripathi added.

“The CRPF would be guarding several camps in Pahalgam-cave and Baltal-cave routes, besides food and resting point’s enroute the cave shrine”, Tripati said while adding that CRPF jawans have also been put on security along the national highway from Lakhanpur, entry point to Jammu and Kashmir to base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal.

Apart from that quick reaction teams, anti-IED devices, security gadgets and sniffer dogs have been put in at various sensitive places to counter any untoward incident.

Over a dozen camps, helipads, food and resting points and entry points would be guarded round the clock, Tripathi said.

The Yatra will be held from June 15 to August 5. (ANI)