A statement issued by the Union Home Ministry said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed the security agencies to set up a multi-layer impenetrable security network along the Amarnath Yatra route and in major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage.
Shah, who chaired a high-level review meeting on security and logistical preparations for the Yatra in Delhi, said the traditional security apparatus should be strengthened through extensive use of drones, CCTV surveillance, surveillance systems and other modern technologies.
He also instructed senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police to remain stationed at the camp sites and continuously monitor the arrangements on the ground.
The annual yatra is scheduled to be held from July 3 to August 28.
“The Home Minister directed that an integrated and impenetrable security cover be put in place through close coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies. The traditional security framework should be further strengthened through extensive use of modern technologies like drones, CCTV surveillance, advanced surveillance systems and other technological tools,” a Home Ministry spokesperson said, citing the directions issued by the Home Minister during the meeting.
The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Home Minister Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Kumar Deka, CRPF Director General JP Singh, in addition to other senior security and administrative officials.
The Interior Minister also stressed the need to ensure adequate arrangements for essential services, including pilgrim registration, accommodation, healthcare facilities and disaster management. The statement added that he also directed the movement of pilgrims to be strictly regulated in accordance with prevailing weather conditions and weather forecasts.
Shah also stressed the need for strong security arrangements at major tourist destinations outside the Hajj route, so that pilgrims can enjoy their visit safely.
During the meeting, officials informed Shah that arrangements have been made to register local people and animals associated with the yatra. QR code-enabled identity cards will be issued to them, while health screening camps and fitness assessment of animals participating in yatra-related activities will be organized, the statement said.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine in the Himalayas requires heavy security deployment, with Central and Union Territory agencies working side by side.
Pilgrims will travel via the traditional 48 km Noonwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
