DIG Chairs Security Meeting for Amarnath Yatra
Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil chaired a security review meeting on Thursday night at the district police lines in Jammu to assess preparedness and strengthen coordination among security agencies deployed for the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
The meeting was attended by DIG CRPF, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Joginder Singh, officers of the Central Armed Police Forces, zonal SPs, sector officers, and other police officers associated with the yatra security arrangements. Patil, who oversees the operational area of three border districts—Jammu, Samba, and Kathua—focused on ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholders.
Yatra Commences on July 3 via Two Routes
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine started on Friday morning simultaneously via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 28.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Thursday, marking the official start of the journey. Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers along both routes and at the base camps to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Emphasis on Coordination Among Agencies
During the review, DIG Patil stressed the need for close coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other Central Armed Police Forces to address any potential security threats. The officials assessed the deployment of personnel, surveillance measures, and emergency response protocols.
According to a police spokesperson, the meeting aimed to ensure that all security agencies work in synergy to provide a safe environment for the yatra. The DIG also reviewed the traffic management plan and the arrangements at the base camps for the convenience of pilgrims.
Security Measures Along the Routes
The traditional Pahalgam route, spanning 48 km, and the Baltal route, which is 14 km but steeper, have been under tight security cover. The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually. In previous years, the yatra has faced security challenges, prompting authorities to implement multi-layered security arrangements.
Officials confirmed that anti-sabotage checks, drone surveillance, and quick reaction teams have been deployed along the routes. The meeting also discussed the use of technology to monitor movement and respond swiftly to any incidents.
