Amarnath Yatra: Multi-layer security grid in place from Punjab to J&K

Srinagar, Jun 29: Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3, security agencies have intensified preparations across the pilgrimage route from Punjab to Kashmir, conducting mock drills, activating surveillance systems and strengthening inter-agency coordination to ensure the safe movement of thousands of pilgrims.
According to reports, the first batches of pilgrims have started arriving in Jammu and Kashmir, while security forces remain on high alert with elaborate arrangements in place along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, transit camps and the twin routes leading to the holy cave shrine, nestled in Himalayas.
On the occasion of the Pratham Puja, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Inspector General Dr Akun Sabharwal inaugurated Medical Aid Posts at the Holy Cave and Brarimarg. He also led a plantation drive, reaffirming the force’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and environmental conservation.
In Jammu, authorities have fully activated the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), equipped with more than 600 high-definition CCTV cameras, including long-range Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, to monitor movement across the city. Officials said the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s “Third Eye” surveillance system has also been activated to detect potential threats and facilitate immediate response.
“The integrated command centre will provide real-time monitoring of Yatra routes, base camps and other strategic locations to ensure effective coordination and swift response during the pilgrimage,” an official said.
Security agencies also carried out a series of mock drills across Jammu and Kashmir to assess operational preparedness. A joint exercise by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the National Security Guard (NSG) was conducted at the Raghunath Temple in Jammu to strengthen counter-terror response and inter-agency coordination.
In Budgam district, multiple agencies participated in a comprehensive security and emergency response drill aimed at testing preparedness for various contingencies during the Yatra.
On the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, security agencies conducted a large-scale convoy rehearsal involving 640 vehicles to evaluate convoy protection, traffic management and emergency response mechanisms. Officials said the exercise focused on coordination among security agencies and ensuring uninterrupted movement of pilgrims.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also conducted a successful trial run through the newly built 3.5-km Digdool-Panthyal tunnel, with a dry-run convoy passing through one of its tubes.
In neighbouring Punjab, police have put in place a multi-layered security plan as thousands of pilgrims are expected to pass through Pathankot, the key transit district connecting Punjab with Jammu and Kashmir, between July 3 and August 28.
Punjab Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla chaired a high-level inter-state coordination meeting to review security arrangements with officials from various agencies.
According to Punjab Police, the security grid covers the 65-km Yatra route in the state through five security sectors and includes a dedicated Command and Control Centre at Madhopur, round-the-clock monitoring, strengthened checkpoints, route domination, CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring and emergency response vehicle patrols.
The security plan also provides for joint operations involving the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Himachal Pradesh Police and Jammu and Kashmir Police, besides the deployment of police quick reaction teams, Army QRTs, Special Operations Group personnel and bomb disposal squads.
Officials said anti-sabotage checks and enhanced second-line border security have also been incorporated into the security architecture.
“Over 800 police personnel and multiple response teams have been deployed to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful pilgrimage. Pilgrims are requested to stay vigilant, follow the designated routes and cooperate with security personnel,” Punjab Police said.
Officials said the extensive security arrangements, surveillance systems and coordinated deployment of forces reflect the preparedness of agencies across states to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra. (KNO)