SRINAGAR: The Army has launched Operation Shiva, a comprehensive security initiative aimed at providing foolproof security for the 38-day Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3.
The annual pilgrimage, among the most revered spiritual journeys in India, draws thousands of devotees to the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres.
Officials said that in view of recent security concerns, including the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives, the Indian Army, in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), has implemented robust security measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
“Operation Shiva involves over 42,000 security personnel, including units from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), deployed across strategic locations along the two main routes—Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km),” the officials said.
They added that the operation includes high-altitude route clearance, drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and deployment of bulletproof vehicles as part of a three-tier security setup.
In addition, anti-sabotage operations and rigorous checks along the pilgrimage routes are being carried out to prevent any potential threats.
“The Army’s efforts are being supported by improved medical facilities, upgraded transport services, and enhanced accommodation arrangements beginning at Lakhanpur, the entry point to the Union Territory,” they said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a high-level review meeting in Jammu on May 29, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage.
“The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is committed to making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra safe, smooth, and accessible for all devotees. We have directed the security forces to maintain utmost vigilance to ensure the sacred journey proceeds without disruption,” Shah said.
To enhance safety and monitoring, the SASB has introduced mandatory Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards for all pilgrims.
Registration for the yatra, which began on April 14, is available online via the SASB website and offline at over 540 designated bank branches across the country.
Pilgrims are also required to submit a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) to confirm their fitness for the high-altitude trek. (KNO)
