Amarnath Yatra: Sadhus arrive in Jammu

Jammu, Jun 27: Sadhus began arriving at the Shri Ram Mandir Amarnath Yatri Base Camp in Purani Mandi here on Saturday as security agencies completed an extensive multi-tier security exercise across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3.
According to reports, the arrival of the first batch of seers coincided with intensified security checks, high-level reviews by senior police officers, anti-drone exercises and military preparedness assessments, with authorities deploying technology-driven surveillance under ‘Project Hawk Eye’ to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
As part of the security preparations, Special Director General of Police (Coordination) S J M Gillani inspected the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Base Camp and the Tawi River Front, reviewing the overall security arrangements and logistical preparedness.
Officials said Gillani directed officers to ensure effective inter-agency coordination and implementation of a multi-layered security grid for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Security was further strengthened across Jammu city, with police intensifying vehicle checking at Indra Chowk and other vulnerable locations to prevent any security breach ahead of the yatra.
In South Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Awantipora chaired a high-level meeting of zonal and sector officers to review security arrangements. Officers were instructed to maintain seamless coordination, strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), adopt proactive policing measures and extend all necessary assistance to pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
On the Baltal axis, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pande reviewed the security arrangements at the Joint Police Control Room. The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama and senior officers of the police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Officials said Pande assessed deployment plans, communication systems, traffic regulation, access control and coordination mechanisms established for the Baltal route. He was briefed on the overall security architecture and advance preparations undertaken for the annual pilgrimage.
In another security exercise, Anantnag Police conducted an anti-drone drill to test operational readiness and response against aerial threats along the yatra route.
Kathua Police also carried out a mega security drill to review preparedness, strengthen response mechanisms and enhance coordination among different security agencies before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
Authorities said the security arrangements this year include enhanced deployment of police, Army and CAPFs, technology-enabled 360-degree surveillance under ‘Project Hawk Eye’, strengthened intelligence coordination and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure the annual pilgrimage passes off peacefully. (KNO)