Key facts
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review security for the Amarnath Yatra.
- The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3 and will last 57 days.
- Key officials present included NSA Ajit Doval, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and CRPF DG GP Singh.
- Security will involve advanced surveillance technology, intelligence monitoring, and multi-agency coordination.
- The meeting also covered essential pilgrim services, healthcare, and disaster management.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi to meticulously review the security and operational preparedness for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, which is slated to commence on July 3. The 57-day pilgrimage to the revered cave shrine in the Himalayas will conclude on August 28.
The critical security review saw the participation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General GP Singh, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, intelligence agencies, and the Union Territory administration.
Officials indicated that a robust, multi-layered security grid is being established, integrating advanced surveillance technology, intelligence-led monitoring, and coordinated efforts among multiple agencies to ensure a secure environment for the expected influx of devotees. Pilgrims will traverse the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Shah emphasized the government's commitment to providing comprehensive security while facilitating a seamless pilgrimage experience. He directed security agencies to reinforce conventional measures with modern technology, including drones, CCTV networks, and real-time monitoring tools. Specific instructions were given for CAPFs and J&K Police to maintain a multi-tier security grid along the routes and for senior officers to be stationed at camp sites throughout the Yatra.
Beyond security, the meeting addressed essential pilgrim services, including registration, accommodation, healthcare facilities, and disaster management. Authorities were also instructed to manage pilgrim movement strictly according to weather conditions and forecasts to mitigate risks. Security arrangements are also being enhanced at major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier in the week, Lieutenant Governor Sinha had reviewed preparations, urging departments and security agencies to ensure smooth arrangements covering infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and pilgrim services. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have deployed sophisticated screening equipment and launched a QR-based 'Pahchan App' for digital verification of workers and vendors along the Yatra route. Tenant verification drives and intelligence gathering operations have also been intensified.