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Drones, K-9 squad, random checks: Security scaled up for Amarnath Yatra
Amarnath Yatra 2025: CRPF implements multi-layered security
To secure the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) — a key route for the Yatra — the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a multi-tier security framework. The highway, frequently used by thousands of pilgrims, is now under heightened surveillance. Special focus has been placed on vulnerable stretches such as the Udhampur sector.
CRPF personnel, supported by K-9 (dog) squads, are conducting continuous patrols, particularly in sensitive areas. The force has increased highway monitoring and deployed teams for rapid response in case of any incident.
Joint mock drill tests emergency preparedness
In a coordinated effort to enhance disaster readiness, a mock landslide drill was conducted on Sunday at Samroli, Toldi Nallah along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The joint exercise involved the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF).
The simulation focused on rescuing stranded vehicles and injured pilgrims. Teams provided immediate medical attention and efficiently evacuated mock victims to nearby hospitals. Deputy SP (Headquarters) Udhampur, Prehlad Kumar told news agency ANI that such exercises strengthen the preparedness of security and disaster teams. 'These drills enhance the readiness of disaster management and security personnel to address emergencies and protect devotees throughout the pilgrimage season,' he said.
Amarnath Yatra: Trial run at Yatri Niwas
A trial run was also held at Yatri Niwas, the base camp in Jammu, to assess logistical arrangements. Buses were sent under full security cover to test transportation plans. Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishy told ANI that all arrangements are in place. 'Today [June 30), tokens will be distributed at Saraswati Dham. We appeal to people to come in large numbers; we will provide them with all the necessary facilities,' he said.
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security review meeting held in Udhampur
Ahead of the Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat chaired a high-level security meeting in Udhampur. Officials from the CRPF, CISF, district police, and traffic police participated.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure presented a comprehensive plan outlining force deployment, convoy management, emergency protocols, and langar (community kitchen) security. The DGP emphasised real-time coordination between agencies and the readiness of drone units, bomb disposal squads, and Quick Reaction Teams.
Police tighten vigil in Jammu district
The Jammu Police, in coordination with paramilitary forces, have established joint nakas (checkpoints) at strategic points across the district. These are operational 24/7, particularly near city peripheries, national highways, and approach roads to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.
The checkpoints focus on identity verification, vehicle screening, and detection of suspicious movement. They are supported by facial recognition systems at high-density zones. Random checks are also being conducted at hotels, guesthouses, and lodgement centres.
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Offline registrations begin
Offline registration for the Yatra began in Jammu, with special counters set up by the administration. Devotees turned out in large numbers, expressing confidence in the arrangements.
[With agency inputs]
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Amarnath Yatra begins amid tight security, devotees undeterred by terror threat
SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' and 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed through Kashmir valley Wednesday as the first convoy of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims crossed Qazigund-Banihal tunnel, marking the start of the annual Himalayan pilgrimage under unprecedented security. Garlanded with flowers and greeted with traditional Kashmiri hospitality, the pilgrims — part of a 5,892-strong batch — were flagged off from the Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar early morning by lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha. A convoy of 310 vehicles carried the devotees toward the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir. 'Undeterred by recent terrorist activities, devotees of Lord Shiva are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating their immense faith,' said Sinha. 'I hope this year's yatra will be even more historic than previous years.' The pilgrimage, running from July 3 to Aug 9, is taking place amid heightened security following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26, mostly tourists. A multi-layered security grid with advanced surveillance technology blankets the region. Pilgrims have been advised to travel only in designated convoys, with a separate govt advisory warning journalists against disguising themselves as yatris. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like O que é ar-condicionado sem dutos no Brasil? Knowledge Knower Undo The twin routes to the shrine — Pahalgam (36-48km, 3–5 days) and Baltal (14km, 1–2 days) —remain under constant vigil. Authorities warned pilgrims not to arrive before scheduled dates and reiterated that misrepresentation of identity, especially by media, would result in strict action. Among the first-day pilgrims: 1,043 women, 31 children, 16 trans people, 335 sadhus, and 72 sadhvis. Many will trek on foot or via ponies, palkis, or helicopters toward the 3,888m-high cave shrine that houses the naturally formed ice Shivling. Rain fell. Conch shells blew. Hymns filled the air at Yatri Niwas in Jammu. The spiritual energy of Amarnath Yatra surged forward — undaunted, united, unshaken. 'No matter how many bombs are hurled, devotees will not be deterred,' said Sarvanand Patel from Gujarat. Ramesh Chander added: 'We pray that everybody gets darshan in peace. Army and security forces are here.' Manoj Kumar from UP echoed the sentiment: 'There is no fear among us. We have faith in our Baba Amarnath-ji and the forces.' Ram Prasad, another UP devotee, said terrorist threats will never shake their spiritual resolve. J&K deputy CM Surinder Choudhary welcomed pilgrims at Banihal and raised the political pitch by expressing hope that 'the next Amarnath Yatra would take place in a full-fledged state'. He claimed LG Sinha performed a special puja praying for the restoration of statehood — though BJP did not immediately comment. At Baltal base camp, BJP spokesperson and J&K Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi reviewed facilities and met officials and service providers. 'The yatra is a powerful symbol of communal harmony in Kashmir,' she said. 'It represents Hindu-Muslim unity, and we are all committed to strengthening that bond.'
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists, Security Forces In J&K's Kishtwar
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Amarnath Yatra sees drop in pilgrims from Ludhiana due to terror attack and lack of helicopter service.
Ludhiana: The number of local pilgrims on the annual Amarnath Yatra has plunged sharply this year, a decline that local organisers and health officials blame on safety fears following a terror attack near Pahalgam in April, along with the suspension of helicopter services. As faith endures, fear tempers the climb to the sacred ice cave. Officials at Ludhiana's Civil Hospital, which issues the mandatory health certificates for all Amarnath pilgrims, reported a nearly 50% drop in applicants since the attack. "Earlier, we issued certificates to as many as 400 applicants a day," said Dr Harpreet Singh, the hospital's senior medical officer. "After the incident, there were days when not a single person turned up." The April 22 attack, which killed 26 tourists and injured several others, has led to what many on the ground are calling a "trust deficit" among first-time or casual devotees. On June 26, Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha confirmed a more than 10% drop in national registrations for this year's yatra. Support Groups Feel the Pinch Varun Mehta, state head of Shri Hindu Takht, said local enthusiasm for the yatra remained high, but practical barriers had discouraged participation. "We used to help 150-to-200 people get medical certificates every year. This time, barely 15-to-20 reached out," he said. He also cited a drop in calls from pilgrims for seeking help or information — down from 2-4 a day in previous years to just 8-10 over the past few months. Langar committees, which provide pilgrims with free food along the uatra route, are also pulling back. "From Ludhiana, 30-odd groups participate usually, but this year, 40-50% may skip it," Mehta said. Long-Timers Still Going, Newcomers Hold Back Sanjay Bansal of Barnala, who helps run a bhandara (community kitchen) near Baltal, said the most dedicated devotees were still expected to attend. "Those called by Bholay Baba will go definitely," he said. But he expects a 10-20% dip in new or occasional pilgrims. Others echoed similar concerns. Chanderkant Chadha, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and a Ludhiana-based businessman, pointed to the twin impact of the terror threat and the lack of helicopter access. "But faith is stronger than fear," he said, noting that his business, which supplies tents and tarpaulins, is still receiving orders from Langar organisers. Choices Reflect Broader Sentiment Tribhuvan Thapar, a devotee who had planned to go this year, opted instead for a pilgrimage to Ujjain, citing safety concerns. "Pakistan doesn't want the yatra to grow, and they orchestrated the April attack to create fear," he said. "The absence of helicopter service has only added to the unease." Meanwhile, Rakesh Verma, a city resident, said he was unable to join the yatra after his application was rejected over a photograph-related discrepancy on the medical form. Civil hospital records suggest that the number of medical certificates issued had a dramatic decline after April 24 — just days after the terrorist attack. Context The Amarnath Yatra, an annual 43-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine at 12,756 feet in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to begin on Thursday. Pilgrims are required to submit a health certificate and register in advance with designated banks. The journey is considered arduous, on foot especially, and the route from Pahalgam and Baltal is often seen as high-risk due to its altitude and proximity to conflict zones. Despite the challenges, organisers and devotees insist the Yatra will go on — even if with fewer people. "Faith doesn't falter," said Chadha. "Shiv Bhakts will still walk the path." MSID:: 122205540 413 |
