SRINAGAR, June 9: In a significant step aimed at fortifying security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police have deployed cutting-edge Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) along the Pahalgam route of the pilgrimage. The system is designed to detect and alert security forces in real time if any blacklisted individual or potential threat enters the view of the surveillance network, a senior official revealed on Monday.
The high-tech surveillance system has been integrated with a database comprising photographs of active terrorists and suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs). This enables real-time identification of individuals flagged by security agencies. “The moment any identified or blacklisted individual enters a camera’s field of view, an automatic alert—typically a hooter—will be triggered at the centrally monitored surveillance hub. This immediate warning allows the security forces to respond swiftly and neutralize any potential threat before it escalates,” the official said.
FRS works by analyzing key facial features from digital images or live video footage and comparing them with stored data in the system’s database. The deployment of this technology is part of a wider multi-layered security grid being established for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which remains a high-profile event on the security calendar due to its spiritual significance and the volume of participants.
Efforts are also underway to install similar facial recognition systems along the Baltal route—the shorter and faster access to the Amarnath shrine—before the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage on July 3. The yatra will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. This year, the pilgrimage has been shortened to 38 days from last year’s 52-day schedule.
Despite lingering security concerns, particularly in the wake of the April 22 terror attack near Pahalgam, enthusiasm among devotees remains undeterred. Over three lakh pilgrims have already registered to take part in the 2025 yatra, underscoring the need for stringent and technologically advanced security measures.
The Amarnath Yatra has historically been a target of terrorist activities, with several tragic incidents marring its otherwise spiritual and peaceful character. In August 2000, 32 people, including 24 yatris, were killed in a terror strike at the Nunwan base camp. Another attack in July 2001 at Sheshnag base camp claimed 13 lives. In 2002, 11 pilgrims were killed at Chandanwari, and a 2017 attack on a bus in Kulgam left eight yatris dead.
In response to such persistent threats, authorities have consistently enhanced security protocols over the years. The entire route from Jammu to the sacred cave has been brought under continuous CCTV surveillance. Additionally, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been employed to tag all pilgrims and vehicles, enabling authorities to monitor movements and respond to emergencies more effectively.
Officials emphasize that the integration of FRS with these existing layers of security is expected to drastically reduce vulnerabilities and ensure a safer environment for all pilgrims. “The Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. In the face of continued threats, the use of advanced technologies like facial recognition is not just a preventive step, but a necessary evolution in our approach to pilgrim safety,” the official added.
With just weeks remaining before the yatra commences, security agencies are working round the clock to finalize arrangements. Authorities remain committed to delivering a smooth, secure, and spiritually fulfilling experience for every pilgrim undertaking the sacred journey to the holy cave nestled in the Himalayas.