Surveillance, Mock Drills and Counter-Terror Measures Intensified
Ganderbal, June 27: With the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 just days away, security agencies have activated an extensive multi-tier security architecture across Ganderbal district, particularly along the Baltal axis, to ensure the annual pilgrimage is conducted without any disruption.
Over the past several days, Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, Health Department and civil administration, have been carrying out an intensive series of security exercises, operational reviews and contingency planning, reflecting one of the most comprehensive security mobilisations ahead of this year’s Yatra.
The latest review was conducted on Saturday when DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pande visited the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR) at Baltal to assess the ground-level preparedness. During the review, senior officers evaluated deployment patterns, surveillance systems, communication networks, traffic regulation, emergency response capabilities and coordination among multiple security agencies responsible for securing the pilgrimage route.
Officials said the emphasis remains on maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, strengthening area domination, securing vulnerable stretches and ensuring rapid response to any emerging situation.
Sources in the security establishment said the Baltal route has witnessed a significant enhancement in security deployment, with additional focus on strategic locations, high-altitude stretches and sensitive transit points where multiple agencies are working under an integrated command and coordination mechanism.
Preparations have not remained limited to deployment alone. During the past week, Ganderbal Police has organised multiple high-intensity mock drills at Malshahi Bagh, Sonamarg, Z-Morh Tunnel, Gund, Badampora and several other critical locations along the Yatra corridor. These exercises simulated terror attacks, medical emergencies, evacuation operations, stampede situations, natural disasters and crowd-management scenarios to assess operational readiness under real-time conditions.
Security agencies have simultaneously intensified highway checking across the Ganderbal-Baltal National Highway. Multi-layer vehicle checking points, increased surveillance, random inspections and continuous monitoring are now part of the security strategy aimed at preventing any potential threat before it reaches the Yatra route.
Officials are also carrying out Advance Security Tasking (AST) operations across strategic locations. These exercises involve advance sanitisation of vulnerable areas, assessment of operational preparedness and strengthening coordination among different security agencies before the arrival of pilgrims.
Earlier, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V.K. Birdi, along with DIG CKR Rajiv Omprakash Pande and DIG Armed Kashmir Maqsood-Ul-Zaman, addressed officers deployed for the Yatra during a comprehensive briefing at the Police Training School, Manigam. The officers were sensitised on deployment plans, contingency protocols, operational responsibilities and coordination mechanisms, with particular emphasis on intelligence sharing, effective communication and swift response to emergencies.
The overall security arrangements have also been reviewed at the highest level by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, who recently held a detailed meeting with senior officers of the Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and Jammu and Kashmir Police to review both the Yatra security architecture and ongoing counter-terror preparedness across Kashmir.
With security deployment now entering its final phase, officials say the objective is to maintain a seamless balance between robust security and smooth facilitation of pilgrims. Multiple layers of security, continuous surveillance, area domination patrols, emergency response teams and inter-agency coordination will remain operational throughout the duration of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage.
