CRPF feels that Rs 100 sanctioned per day per person as ration money should not go waste
Piping hot pooris with spicy curries, followed by heavy doses of sweets being served in langars (community kitchens) along the Amarnath Yatra route might be tempting for Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed to guard pilgrims, but they have been warned to stay off the lip-smacking option.
In an advisory sent by the force to field units, commanders have been asked to ensure that personnel on security duty do not eat the heavy langar food that can make them lethargic, upset their stomachs and also lead to serious health hazards.
"There are obvious health concerns... Eating at langars can also lead to the men letting their guard down while on security duty. They need to be on their toes and vigilant at all times. They cannot be complacent at any time," said a CRPF officer.
About Rs 100 is sanctioned per day per CRPF person as ration money, sources said. If the men eat outside, the food being prepared for them will also go to waste.
This year's deployment for Amarnath Yatra was doubled, keeping in mind the security concerns as the pilgrimage coincided with terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's first death anniversary on July 8. Wani's killing had triggered a prolonged phase of violence in Kashmir.
Frequent, fatal clashes had broken out between stone-pelting mobs and security forces.
Over 21,000 personnel from the central armed police forces, such as the CRPF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have been deployed. There are 214 companies on ground compared to 115 last year.
The security on the two Yatra routes of Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir has been further enhanced after the July 10 terror attack on a bus, returning from the cave shrine, killing eight pilgrims. Both treks have a heavy deployment of security forces. But, the routes also have several langars where food is served to pilgrims.
Source said that the advisory on food is not linked to the terror attack and has been sent to ensure that the troops remain fit and don't fall sick. "The food cooked in our camps is healthy and nutritious and is best suited for security duties," said a CRPF officer.
The Amarnath Yatra started on June 29 and ends on August 7, but the additional deployment of forces is likely to continue keeping in mind the possibility of unrest.
Despite the attack, there has not been a dip in the number of pilgrims. This year, the number is 2.11 lakh already, and is expected to go past last year's figure of 2.20 lakh.
CURB THE BINGE
- Commanders are to ensure that personnel on duty do not eat heavy langar food that can make them lethargic or upset their stomachs.
- CRPF feels that Rs 100 sanctioned per day per person as ration money should not go waste.
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