The vehicles have «Deep Penetrating Radar» (DPR) to detect IEDs on routes connecting Srinagar and Jammu to Amarnath.
Over 200 high-powered bulletproof vehicles have been deployed in sensitive locations as security threat looms over the Amarnath Yatra, which has resumed after a span of two years. The vehicles are equipped with high-powered technology like an automatic mapping facility and the ability to move easily on planes, forests, water and greater heights. The key specialization of these vehicles is the ability to detect Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
These vehicles have «Deep Penetrating Radar (DPR) to detect IEDs on routes connecting Srinagar and Jammu to Amarnath. An official, speaking about the additional security arrangements, said, “If under attack, these vehicles cannot be damaged from the explosion of IED weighing nearly 25 kg.» He added that these vehicles were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few months after intelligence reports suggested a high threat to the annual pilgrimage, which would culminate on August 11.
The first batch of pilgrims reached Nunwan Pahalgam base camp in the Anantnag on Thursday to offer their prayers. Locals, PRI Members as well as officers of the District Administration welcomed them. The yatra began on Wednesday amid tight security arrangements.
Security has been tightened in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the latest intelligence report regarding the use of sticky bombs of a minimum of half kg and attack of grenades.
The official had further revealed that the terrorists are learnt to have started gathering at launching pads along the border on the Pakistan side and are suspected to enter through riverine areas, and tunnels. Thereby, almost double the companies of all security forces have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir compared to the previous year. Over 130 sniffer dogs have also been deployed on the routes heading towards the Amarnath shrine.
High-tech gadgets like IED detectors and binoculars are also being used for the first time and some of these gadgets have been manufactured by Israel. Another officer in the CRPF said that an integrated effort is being put across all forces concerned including Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Jammu and Kashmir administration and Amarnath Shrine Board members.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed the Centre last week that Pakistan-based commanders of proscribed terrorist organisations are trying for terrorist activities by targeting minorities, security personnel and religious pilgrimages including Amaranth Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra and other similar pilgrimage sites.
Over 200 drones are also being used on twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal to monitor every activity as a major threat is suspected from cadres of offshoots of proscribed terrorist organisations such as «The Resistance Front (TRF), People Anti-Fascist Forces (PAFF)», an official said.
A deep-rooted conspiracy has also been unearthed by the security agencies, which suggests Pakistan-based proscribed terrorist organisations joining hands in form of a united group and shifting their modus operandi by floating pseudo offshoot outfits portrayed as indigenous resistance groups. This is being done with an intention to claim deniability of the terrorist acts at the international level.
Many affiliate outfits such as The Resistance Front (TRF), People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF), United Liberation Front J&K ULF J&K, Muslim Janbaaz Force (MJF), Kashmir Janbaaz Force (KJF), Kashmir Tigers, Kashmir Fight, Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind, Kashmir Gaznavi Force have mushroomed after the abrogation of article 370 and claimed involvement in the targeted killings across the valley.