Safety of Amarnath pilgrims top priority: DGP

Srinagar, Jun 22: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Monday reviewed security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and directed all security agencies to strengthen coordination, intelligence-sharing and surveillance to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Chairing a high-level security review meeting in south Kashmir, DGP Prabhat, assessed the prevailing security situation and preparedness for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026, scheduled to commence on July 3.
Senior officers of the Army’s Victor Force, CRPF, BSF, ITBP and Jammu and Kashmir Police attended the meeting. Senior Superintendents of Police from South Kashmir districts also briefed the DGP on the security scenario, anti-terror operations, area domination plans and arrangements being put in place for the yatra.
The officers informed the meeting about the multi-layered security framework being established along the pilgrimage routes and at other vulnerable locations to safeguard pilgrims.
Prabhat directed officers to maintain a robust security grid and remain alert to any potential threat. He stressed the need for seamless coordination among all security agencies and called for joint operational planning to ensure effective response mechanisms during the pilgrimage.
“The safety and security of pilgrims remains our top priority,” the DGP said, asking officers to enhance surveillance measures, intensify intelligence gathering and ensure effective deployment of personnel along the yatra routes.
He also appreciated the efforts of security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region and urged all agencies to work in close coordination for the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a detailed traffic advisory for the yatra period, regulating vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
According to the advisory, no civilian vehicle travelling from Kashmir towards Jammu will be allowed to cross the Navyug Tunnel after 11:30 am, while vehicles travelling from Jammu towards Kashmir will not be permitted to cross the tunnel after 3 pm during the yatra period.
The advisory also notified cut-off timings at several locations in Kashmir. Vehicles heading towards Srinagar and Anantnag will have to cross Mir Bazar by 4 pm, while those travelling towards the Baltal base camp must cross the same point by 5 pm. At Pantha Chowk, the cut-off time for vehicles heading towards Ganderbal and Baramulla has been fixed at 3 pm, while vehicles moving towards Anantnag must cross before 3 pm.
Similarly, vehicles travelling towards Manigam and north Kashmir will have to cross Shadipora by 3:30 pm, while those heading towards Srinagar must do so before 1 pm. At Manigam, the cut-off time for vehicles bound for Baltal has been fixed at 5 pm, while those travelling towards Srinagar and north Kashmir must cross before 12 noon.
Police advised tourists, pilgrims and local commuters to plan their journeys accordingly, follow instructions issued by traffic authorities and remain updated through official advisories during the yatra period. (KNO)