Amarnath Yatra Security Under Focus as Shah Holds Review Meeting

NEW DELHI, Jun 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of security and operational arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, bringing together top security, intelligence and administrative officials to assess preparedness for the annual pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3.

The high-level 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 senior representatives from various security and government agencies.

The review focused on ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders responsible for managing the 57-day pilgrimage to the revered cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas. Authorities discussed measures aimed at safeguarding devotees while maintaining smooth movement and essential services along the designated routes.

Officials said an extensive security framework has been put in place, combining advanced surveillance systems, intelligence-based monitoring and coordinated deployment of personnel across vulnerable locations. The objective is to provide a secure environment for pilgrims travelling through both the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal track in Ganderbal district.

Preparations have been intensified across sectors, with special attention being paid to route security, crowd management, emergency response mechanisms and logistical support. Security agencies are relying on technology-driven monitoring systems to strengthen vigilance and improve response capabilities during the pilgrimage period.

Earlier this week, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a separate review meeting and directed all departments to ensure efficient arrangements related to infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, transport connectivity and other services required for the smooth conduct of the yatra.

As part of the enhanced security architecture, Jammu and Kashmir Police has deployed a range of modern screening and anti-sabotage equipment. These include explosive detection systems, portable jammers, deep search metal detectors, advanced surveillance cameras, vehicle-scanning devices and specialised inspection tools designed to identify potential threats.

Authorities have also introduced the QR-enabled “Pahchan App” to digitally verify workers, service providers and vendors operating along the pilgrimage corridor. The initiative is intended to strengthen identity verification, improve accountability and prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining access to sensitive zones.

Verification drives targeting tenants and temporary workers have been expanded, while intelligence gathering and area-dominance operations have been stepped up across districts linked to the pilgrimage.

The Central Reserve Police Force, which plays a key role in securing the yatra, has carried out extensive assessments of deployment plans and operational readiness. CRPF Director General G.P. Singh recently visited the Valley to inspect arrangements and review preparedness on the Baltal axis.

During the visit, he evaluated both security and logistical measures at various locations and stressed the need for continuous coordination among agencies involved in the pilgrimage management process. He also instructed field commanders to maintain heightened vigilance and adopt proactive strategies to address emerging challenges.

Officials said all agencies are working in close coordination to maintain a robust security grid and ensure that devotees can undertake the annual pilgrimage safely and without disruption. The Centre and the Union Territory administration remain focused on delivering a secure, well-managed and incident-free yatra this year.