New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra and directed agencies to establish an “impregnable” multi-layered security grid along the pilgrimage routes.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
The review meeting in New Delhi was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Army, intelligence agencies, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Union Territory administration.
Emphasising the Centre’s commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage, Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was focused on providing robust security while facilitating seamless services for devotees.
According to officials, the Home Minister instructed security agencies to work in close coordination and strengthen traditional security measures with modern technology. He called for the deployment of drones, extensive CCTV coverage, advanced surveillance systems and real-time monitoring tools to enhance vigilance across the pilgrimage routes.
Shah directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CAPFs and other security agencies to establish a multi-tier security network capable of addressing potential threats and ensuring uninterrupted movement of pilgrims.
In a key directive, he asked senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to remain stationed at camp sites throughout the Yatra period. Their presence, he said, would help maintain constant supervision and ensure swift responses to any emerging situation.
Apart from security, Shah also reviewed arrangements related to registration, accommodation, healthcare and disaster management. Officials briefed him on efforts to streamline services and improve coordination among various departments involved in organising the pilgrimage.
Weather-related challenges also featured prominently during the meeting. Shah instructed authorities to allow pilgrim batches to proceed strictly according to prevailing weather conditions and official forecasts to minimise risks in the mountainous terrain.
The Home Minister further emphasised the need for heightened security at major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, noting that many pilgrims visit other locations in the Union Territory during their journey.
Officials informed the meeting that a registration mechanism for local residents and animals associated with the Yatra has already been put in place. QR code-enabled identity cards will be issued to service providers and others engaged in pilgrimage-related activities to strengthen verification and monitoring.
Authorities have also planned health and fitness assessment camps for animals used for transportation and logistics during the Yatra.
One of Hinduism’s most significant annual pilgrimages, the Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Given the challenging terrain and security sensitivities of the region, extensive preparations are undertaken by multiple agencies to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
