DG GP Singh reviews preparedness in Kashmir; high-altitude surveillance and anti-terror measures strengthened for 57-day pilgrimage
NEW DELHI, Jun 10: With the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has significantly intensified its security deployment across Jammu and Kashmir, scaling up counter-terror operations in vulnerable high-altitude areas and enhancing surveillance measures across the plains to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
The heightened security arrangements form part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the 57-day pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 28. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening the existing security grid in view of the large number of devotees expected to undertake the annual journey to the holy cave shrine nestled in the Kashmir Himalayas.
The decision follows specific directions issued by CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, who is currently on a three-day visit to the Valley. On the opening day of his visit, Singh chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with senior CRPF officers and field commanders to assess preparedness for the pilgrimage.
Officials familiar with the deliberations said the meeting focused on enhancing coordination among security agencies and bolstering counter-terror preparedness along the Yatra routes.
“The key focus of the meeting was to strengthen the security grid to maintain peace and normalcy and ensure a safe and incident-free Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026,” an official said.
According to officials, CRPF commanders have been directed to intensify counter-terror operations along higher ridgelines and mountainous stretches while maintaining strict round-the-clock vigilance across the plains and transit routes.
“The step is part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) adopted ahead of the annual pilgrimage, considering the significance of the Yatra and the large influx of devotees visiting the holy cave shrine through the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
Organised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the annual pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from across the country who undertake the challenging trek to pay obeisance at the revered ice lingam inside the cave shrine.
As part of the security measures, authorities have already declared both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes as ‘No Flying Zones’ from July 1 until the conclusion of the Yatra. Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrims will remain suspended throughout the pilgrimage period.
Pilgrims intending to visit the shrine have been advised to plan their journey accordingly and reach the holy cave either on foot or by availing the services of ponies and palkis.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages, is undertaken during the summer months and involves traversing difficult terrain in the Kashmir Himalayas under elaborate security arrangements.
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