Agencies | New Delhi:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review security and operational preparedness for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, with a focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees.
The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, and other senior security and administrative officials.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas requires an extensive security deployment, with Central and Jammu and Kashmir agencies working in close coordination.
Officials said security arrangements this year will be strengthened through advanced surveillance technology, intelligence-based monitoring, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to create a secure environment for pilgrims.
Devotees will undertake the pilgrimage through the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Earlier this week, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the preparations and directed all departments and security agencies to ensure comprehensive arrangements covering infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, security, and pilgrim welfare.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has deployed sophisticated screening and anti-sabotage equipment, including portable RCIED jammers, explosive detectors, deep search metal detectors, non-linear junction detectors, advanced CCTV systems, vehicle-mounted scanners, and other specialised security devices.
In a significant technological initiative, police have launched the QR code-based “Pahchan App” to digitally verify workers and vendors operating along the yatra route. Officials said the system will help prevent unauthorised access while improving accountability and crowd management.
Security agencies have also intensified tenant verification drives, inspections of lodging facilities, and intelligence-gathering operations in sensitive areas.
The CRPF, which plays a key role in securing the pilgrimage, has undertaken extensive reviews of its operational preparedness. During a recent visit to the Kashmir Valley, CRPF Director General G.P. Singh assessed security arrangements along the Baltal route and directed field commanders to adopt proactive measures.
He emphasised the need for a strong security grid and enhanced coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the pilgrimage remains safe, secure, and incident-free.
