SRINAGAR: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday directed top security officials to ensure a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to finalise the security plan for the 38-day pilgrimage, the Union Home Secretary called for foolproof measures to safeguard the pilgrims.
Sources said senior officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces—including CRPF, SSB, ITBP, BSF—and intelligence agencies participated in the meeting.
The meeting was attended by the J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP J&K Police Nalin Prabhat; Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA); DGs of BSF, SSB, and Railway Protection Force (RPF); ADGs of CRPF and BSF; Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau; Principal Secretary (Home) Kashmir; GOC 15 Corps; GOCs of 16 and 9 Corps; ADG CID; Special Director, Intelligence Bureau; Chairman, Railway Board; IG BSF Jammu; Joint Secretary, J&K and Ladakh; ADG ITBP; Special DG Coordination; GM, Northern Railway; IG NIA; IG CRPF; CEO, Shrine Board; IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu; and Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu.
The Union Home Secretary reviewed the overall security preparedness and held detailed discussions on the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on logistical and security arrangements for the Yatra, which draws large numbers of devotees from across the country.
The discussions covered route security, communication systems, medical preparedness, and disaster response. Emphasis was placed on coordination between the J&K administration and security agencies. Officials reviewed plans for multi-tiered security, intelligence coordination, and continuous logistical support.
The Union Home Secretary was briefed that a real-time monitoring mechanism is in place to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. The intelligence grid is active, and joint drills and surveillance along the Yatra routes are already underway. Vulnerable points have been identified, and drone surveillance, night patrols, and road-opening parties have been deployed to enhance vigilance.
Officials informed him that RFID tracking for pilgrims, weather alert systems, emergency evacuation protocols, and dedicated health camps have been arranged. A multi-layered security grid, including ground forces and aerial surveillance, is being deployed ahead of the Yatra.
This year’s pilgrimage follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 persons, mostly tourists, dead. Authorities are not taking any chances and have strengthened security at the cave shrine, base camps, and transit locations.
A security cover comprising the Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and J&K Police is already in place at key locations, including the route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu—the starting point for escorted convoys heading to Baltal and Pahalgam.
Authorities have also confirmed that real-time weather monitoring, evacuation mechanisms, and medical support will remain active throughout the Yatra. (KNO)
