Security stepped-up at Vaishno Devi before Navratra

Jammu: Security has been stepped-up at the Vaishno Devi Shrine ahead of Navratra, which begins October 2, with deployments of extra police companies and CCTV surveillance across Katra town here, police said on Tuesday.

"The four additional police companies are being deployed at the Vaishno Devi Shrine's Bhavan and at its base camp. They will also ensure security in Katra town ahead of Navratra," Senior-SP Reasi Sujit Kumar said.

Hotels and guest houses, especially those on the route of the Shobha Yatra, are being verified. Meetings are being held with transport operators and the hotel association for better coordination on the issue, he added.

Strict security is being ensured by police check posts and stations in Katra. The railway station and Banganga track are under CCTV surveillance, Kumar informed.

"Spotters have been also deployed at Katra and Mufti," the SSP said, adding police, army and para-military forces are conducting day and night patrolling.