Doda’s high-altitude tourist spots secure, says police chief amid rising pilgrim footfalls

Amid growing tourists and pilgrim footfalls in the scenic high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, the local police has assured that robust security measures are in place, including the strategic deployment of Army personnel across mountain peaks overlooking key routes and towns.

Doda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Mehta stated that the district is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for tourists and devotees.

“The tourist footfall in the district is increasing with each passing day, and we have taken all necessary arrangements for the safety of the holiday-makers. We have also requested the Army for securing the mountain peaks and all such peaks overlooking the district,” he said, PTI reported.
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The officer confirmed that over 70 major and minor pilgrimages are expected to take place in the coming weeks in the higher reaches of the hilly district. These include the Kailash Yatra, Manimahesh, and the revered Machail Mata pilgrimage.

“Some of these yatras start from Doda, while others conclude here after beginning elsewhere. All routes have been mapped and senior officers assigned to ensure smooth and safe conduct,” Mehta added.

The police, in coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary units, have fortified pilgrimage routes with layered security deployments. Forces are operating in synergy and are instructed to act swiftly upon receiving any intelligence inputs, especially regarding movement of suspicious persons.

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Noting the history of terror-related incidents in the district over the past 18 months, Mehta said security agencies are working overtime to prevent any disruptions. “We’re fully capable of addressing any threat, including drone activity. Though there have been no such incidents reported in Doda so far, we have anti-drone systems in place,” he said.

He urged residents in remote and high-altitude areas to remain vigilant and immediately report any sightings of drone activity to security forces. Reassuring both tourists and pilgrims, the SSP added that Doda’s highland destinations remain safe for travel and religious observances, thanks to coordinated ground and aerial surveillance by security agencies.