Multi-tier security cover along Baltal, Pahalgam routes
ROPs, sniper teams, anti-sabotage squads, drones in place
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, May 29: The Centre is set to deploy nearly 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for the annual Amarnath Yatra commencing on July 3, significantly strengthening the security apparatus across J&K ahead of the high-profile pilgrimage that will conclude on August 28.
Officials said the massive deployment is part of an elaborate multi-layer security strategy aimed at ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of the 58-day pilgrimage, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country every year.
The security grid will cover the entire Yatra axis — from Jammu’s base camps to the twin pilgrimage routes of Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Forces will be deployed at transit camps, lodgement centres, highways, vulnerable stretches, pilgrim accommodation facilities and along the mountainous tracks leading to the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of nearly 3,880 metres in the Himalayas.
The deployment will include personnel from the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and other paramilitary forces who will work in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and intelligence agencies.
A senior security official told Rising Kashmir that the deployment process will begin in phases before the commencement of the Yatra, while security forces have already intensified area domination exercises, route sanitisation operations and threat assessment drills across the Union Territory.
“A comprehensive security mechanism involving Road Opening Parties (ROPs), anti-sabotage squads, bomb disposal units, dog squads, sniper teams and quick reaction teams will remain active throughout the pilgrimage period,” he said.
Authorities are also expected to enhance aerial surveillance this year through drones and high-resolution CCTV monitoring systems at sensitive locations and major Yatra camps.
Special focus is being laid on securing the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which serves as the main corridor for pilgrim convoys travelling towards Kashmir.
Officials said convoy movement will operate under strict security protocols with escorted travel, designated timings and continuous highway monitoring to ensure pilgrim safety.
Security personnel will maintain round-the-clock vigil at Nunwan and Baltal base camps, where thousands of pilgrims assemble before beginning the trek to the cave shrine.
Mountain rescue teams, disaster response personnel and emergency medical units are also being stationed along the route to deal with weather-related emergencies and health complications during the high-altitude pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the administration has accelerated preparations related to accommodation, sanitation, healthcare, power supply, communication systems and drinking water facilities at various Yatra camps.
The annual Amarnath Yatra remains one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages, drawing devotees who undertake the arduous journey to pay obeisance at the cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice Shivling.
Apart from its religious significance, the Yatra also provides a major seasonal economic boost to Kashmir, generating livelihood opportunities for thousands of ponywalas, pithuwalas, transporters, hoteliers, tent operators and small traders associated with the pilgrimage.
Senior officials from the civil administration, police and security agencies are continuing to hold high-level coordination meetings to review preparedness and finalise contingency plans ahead of the pilgrimage season.
With 670 CAPF companies set to fan out across Jammu and Kashmir during the 58-day Yatra, authorities are preparing for one of the largest security deployments witnessed during the annual pilgrimage in recent years.
