Srinagar, June 22 -- Police have beefed up security in Ganderbal district ahead of Mela Kheer Bhawani and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience for the devotees, officials said on Sunday.

"Police conducted area domination exercises in and around Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla, as part of the security preparedness for the upcoming religious congregation. The exercise aimed at maintaining a secure environment for devotees, locals and visitors who will attend the annual Mela on Monday," a police spokesman said.

He said that as part of a comprehensive security preparedness, highway checking and surveillance measures have also been strengthened on the Ganderbal-Baltal axis for the Amarnath Yatra-202...