DIG Shiv Kumar reviews security, preparedness in Shiv Khori belt in Reasi

Jammu, May 02: Deputy Inspector General of Police Shiv Kumar Sharma on Saturday conducted a comprehensive security review and assessed operational preparedness in the Shiv Khori-Ransoo belt in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi, stressing effective use of surveillance systems to ensure safety, officials said.

He also carried out an on-the-spot security audit of the Teryath area in the Ransoo-Shiv Khori-Pouni belt, where terrorists had opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims on June 9, 2024, killing nine people and injuring 33 others.

The 53-seater bus, on its way from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road following heavy gunfire and plunged into a deep gorge near Teryath village in the Pouni area.

“Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi range, conducted a comprehensive security review and assessed operational preparedness of Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and CRPF units deployed at Ransoo, Shiv Khori, and Pouni,” a police official said.

During the visit, Sharma reviewed the overall security arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the Shri Shiv Khori yatra.

Shiv Khori is a renowned natural cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Reasi district. The 200-meter-long cave contains a 4-foot-high, naturally formed Shivlingam, attracting over 15 to 20 lakh devotees, especially during Maha Shivratri annually.

He inspected key deployment points and took stock of preparedness to deal with any contingency at the cave shrine and its area dominations, the officials said.

The DIG also interacted with pilgrims at Shiv Khori and enquired about their experience and safety measures, emphasising the need to maintain a pilgrim-friendly environment while ensuring strict security protocols.

He inspected critical locations, including the X-ray baggage scanning points, CCTV control room, market area, bus stand, Yatra Parchi counter, Kanda More, and Jandi More.

Sharma directed officers to remain vigilant, ensure seamless coordination among agencies and maintain a high level of alertness.

He stressed the effective use of surveillance systems, proper checking mechanisms, and crowd management to ensure the safety of visitors.

The officers were instructed to continue proactive measures and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Yatra.