SRINAGAR: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan arrived in Srinagar on Saturday and chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess preparedness for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to commence on July 3.
Official sources said the Home Secretary reviewed security and logistical arrangements with senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence agencies. The meeting focused on evaluating the overall security grid and operational readiness along both the Pahalgam and Baltal pilgrimage routes.
The review comes amid heightened security preparations across Jammu and Kashmir, with security forces intensifying area domination exercises, route sanitisation and counter-terror surveillance measures, particularly in districts linked to the annual pilgrimage.
Sources said discussions centred on deployment plans, convoy security, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, emergency response systems, disaster management preparedness and arrangements for pilgrims at transit and base camps.
Officials also briefed the Home Secretary on measures being undertaken to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, including healthcare facilities, communication networks, transportation services and rescue infrastructure.
In recent weeks, multiple security audits, mock drills and joint exercises involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies have been conducted to strengthen coordination among stakeholders ahead of the Yatra.
The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine is scheduled to begin simultaneously from the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3.
Officials said the review meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and seamless pilgrimage for devotees expected to participate in the Yatra this year.
