AMARNATH YATRA: In an unprecedented move, 580 companies of CAPFs deployed across J&K for yatra

Srinagar, Jun 15: In an unprecedented security initiative, 580 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are being deployed across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages.

Greater Kashmir has learnt from top officials in security establishment that the forces will include personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This year’s deployment marks one of the highest levels of security preparedness for the annual pilgrimage in recent years. Out of the total 580 companies, approximately 400 will be concentrated along the Kashmir Valley’s Pahalgam and Baltal routes, the twin pathways that lead to the holy Amarnath Cave situated at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas.

The rest of companies would be deployed in Jammu division. The CRPF will play a lead role in route protection, camp security, and crowd management.

The BSF and ITBP, with their experience in high-altitude operations, will secure mountain tracks and vulnerable patches along the Yatra route while as SSB units are expected to assist with internal security at base camps and checkpoints. The security plan for the Yatra is multilayered. While the CAPFs will manage pilgrimage routes, base camps, and critical transit points, the  Army will dominate the higher reaches, outer ridges, and strategic peaks surrounding the route.

Drones, CCTV cameras, night-vision equipment, and bomb-detection squads will be extensively used. Specialized anti-sabotage teams and quick reaction teams (QRTs) are being placed along the high-risk segments. “The induction of forces will begin on Monday (today) and is scheduled to be completed by June 22, ahead of the start of the Yatra on June 29,”said a senior police official. Special training and acclimatization drills have been scheduled for troops posted in high-altitude zones. In addition, mock drills, evacuation simulations, and counter-terror exercises have already begun in collaboration with local police and disaster response teams. “This year’s Yatra will be protected by an impregnable shield. Every pilgrim’s safety is our responsibility. Our forces are alert and fully prepared to neutralize any threat.” The J&K Police, along with civil administration, has geared up for round-the-clock coordination with CAPFs. New safety shelters, medical posts, oxygen booths, and quick evacuation helipads have been set up en route, especially in high-risk avalanche-prone zones.

RFID-based tracking systems will be used for all registered pilgrims to ensure real-time monitoring of movement. Mobile signal jammers will be installed in vulnerable stretches to prevent remote-controlled IED detonations. “All yatra tracks have been thoroughly sensitised and taken over by security forces to pre-emptively address any security concerns,” the senior officials said. They said that the CCTV cameras, equipped with high-resolution imaging capabilities had been installed along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. They said that the live feed from these cameras would allow security personnel to keep a vigilant eye on the entire stretch of the yatra tracks, enhancing their ability to detect and respond to any suspicious activities promptly.

The officials said that, additionally, Sector Officers would be deployed along both routes to oversee and coordinate the security operations. “These officers play a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication and coordination among the various security agencies involved, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), J&K Police, Army and other paramilitary forces,” they said. “Their presence will ensure that any emerging security situation is addressed swiftly and efficiently.” The senior police officials said before the commencement of the yatra, security forces are conducting extensive sensitisation operations along the entire route.