High-level security being set up for Amarnath Yatra; vigilance boosted for Vaishno Devi

A multi-layered security mechanism is being implemented for the 57-day Amarnath Yatra, commencing on July 3, to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage season.

A robust multi-layered security mechanism is being put in place for the annual Amarnath Yatra commencing on July 3, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance across sensitive areas of Reasi and Udhampur districts, senior police officials said on Sunday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police of Reasi-Udhampur Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, who oversees security and operational areas covering the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines as well as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway stretches falling under the two districts, informed that all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage season.

The 57-day pilgrimage will commence from the twin tracks -- the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal -- on July 3 and will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 28.

''At present, our biggest focus is security preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. All necessary arrangements are being put in place, and we are fully prepared. All our teams are actively working, and close coordination is being maintained with the administration, private transport operators and other stakeholders,'' Sharma told PTI.

He said that security agencies have intensified surveillance and operational activities in the wake of recent security concerns and are maintaining a close watch on all vulnerable and high-risk areas.

''We are keeping a close watch on all sensitive locations. Based on intelligence inputs and information received from various sources, necessary measures, including search operations and heightened vigilance, are being undertaken,'' he said.

The DIG noted that there is seamless intelligence-sharing and operational coordination among the Army, police, CRPF, SPG and other security agencies to ensure comprehensive security cover.

''There is strong intelligence coordination among all security agencies, and all planned security measures have been implemented. The situation is being continuously reviewed, and security arrangements are being strengthened wherever required in Reasi and Udhampur districts,'' he said.

Sharma said that police and security forces are actively engaging with local communities and encouraging residents to share information about any suspicious movement or individuals.

''We are communicating with the public in different areas and urging them to report any suspicious activity. Public cooperation remains crucial in maintaining peace and security,'' the officer said.

Advising people to remain alert, the DIG urged residents and pilgrims to immediately inform security agencies about any suspicious persons or objects.

''For the safety of everyone, people should remain vigilant during their journeys, avoid unnecessary interaction with unknown persons and promptly report any suspicious activity. Security agencies have intensified surveillance in surrounding areas, while the Army, police and CRPF have been deployed at sensitive locations,'' he added.

Referring to ongoing anti-militancy efforts, Sharma said security forces are not only focusing on suspicious individuals but are also working to identify and dismantle support networks operating behind them.

''If a suspicious individual is identified or questioned, efforts are also made to trace and deal with the networks and associates linked to such elements,'' he said.

The officer highlighted that awareness and outreach programmes are also being conducted to counter attempts to mislead or radicalise vulnerable sections of society.

''Our objective is to prevent negative influences from spreading within society and to maintain peace, security and public confidence,'' he said.

Highlighting preparations for the pilgrimage season, Sharma said deployment of forces has been strengthened in mountainous and vulnerable areas, while coordination among the Army, BSF and other agencies is being maintained round the clock.

He said ambulance services, emergency response mechanisms, electricity supply and other essential facilities are also being closely monitored to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims visiting the Amarnath cave shrine as well as the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines.

Seeking public cooperation, the DIG appealed to residents and pilgrims to support security agencies and adhere to advisories so that the pilgrimage season passes off peacefully and smoothly.