Jammu and Kashmir has been placed on high alert ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, with the first batch of pilgrims flagged off from Jammu on July 2, 2026. The pilgrimage formally commences on July 3, with devotees proceeding to the holy cave shrine via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. A multi-layered security arrangement, including drones, CCTV surveillance, and an integrated command centre, has been established to monitor and prevent any attempts to disrupt the pilgrimage.
Foolproof Security Measures in Place
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, VK Birdi confirmed that foolproof security arrangements have been made for the safety of pilgrims. "Mock drills have been conducted to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their roles in case of any contingency," he said. Birdi added that the J&K Police has set up a network of CCTV cameras along the yatra routes and other vulnerable locations. "The surveillance system has facial recognition capabilities that will alert security agencies if any suspicious individual is detected," he explained.
Airport and Facilitation Counters Upgraded
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg reviewed arrangements at Srinagar International Airport to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims. He inspected facilities including dedicated e-KYC counters, the Yatra Facilitation Centre, reception areas, and other passenger amenities. Garg stressed the need for seamless coordination among departments and robust communication to guarantee uninterrupted services. The number of pilgrim facilitation counters in Kashmir has been increased from 54 in 2025 to 131 in 2026. This includes 59 e-KYC counters (up from 21), 32 RFID counters (compared to 20 earlier), and 40 on-the-spot registration counters (against 13 in 2025).
Traffic Advisory on Jammu-Srinagar Highway
The Traffic Police issued an advisory restricting vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway during yatra convoys. According to the advisory, from the night of July 1, no heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed to travel from Qazigund towards Jammu or from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar after 7 pm. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be permitted until 11 pm. On July 2, LMVs and private vehicles from Nagrota towards Udhampur will be allowed only after the yatra convoy tail crosses Jakheni. Similarly, traffic from Qazigund towards Jammu will resume after the Baltal convoy crosses Marog. HMVs will be allowed on alternate days subject to traffic assessment, but no HMV will be permitted from either Qazigund or Jakheni after 7 pm.
Accommodation for 55,000 Pilgrims
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar stated that accommodation and security arrangements have been made for nearly 55,000 pilgrims. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), flagged off the first convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 4 am on July 2. The J&K Police, Army, and CRPF have been placed on high alert, while the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is under strict CRPF vigil.
