DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand state police has banned carrying tridents, lathis, swords and other ‘weapons’in ‘Shravan Kawar Yatra’ this year which starts today.
“We have instructed the police outposts to keep an eye and confiscate such items. Security teams have deployed to ensure smooth yatra this season,” said Janmejay Khanduri, senior superintendent of police, Dehradun.
More than 4 crore Kawar Yatris are expected to visit Haridwar this year. In a first, the state police have also issued a link for the registration of the pilgrims who are participating in the yatra.
The police have also decided to use drones to check terror attacks or any other violence in the yatra, said the state police officials.
More than 10,000 police force has been deployed and over 300 CCTV camera will keep an eye on the yatra.
Apart from the state police, many central para-military forces are also aiding in the yatra including Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) to provide security.
For the mela area in Haridwar, one superintendent rank officer, 12 assistant superintendent rank officers, 31 deputy superintendent rank officers and 67 station house officers have also been deputed to smooth out arrangements for the yatra.
The state police have also diverted traffic plan for July 13 and 26 in Roorkee area to avoid any hassle for the common people.
Uttarakhand state government, last year had cancelled the yatra after Uttarakhand High Court’s remarks on religious gathering and staying of Char Dham Yatra.