AMARNATH YATRA: Multi-tier security arrangements along Baltal route in Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Jun 28: In order to ensure smooth and incident free Amaranth Ji Yatra this year the authorities have put in place elaborate security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is commencing from July 3 and will conclude on August 9.

Official sources told Greater Kashmir that several companies of paramilitary forces are being deployed in addition to Jammu and Kashmir police personals besides other security agencies during the Amarnath yatra along the Baltal route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The Baltal route to Amarnath is the shortest as the pilgrims can reach the cave shrine after a 14 Km trek and come back in a single day.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal said that elaborate and multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place for peaceful conduct of Yatra.

"We have multi-tier security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra,” he said, adding that companies of central paramilitary force besides Jammu and Kashmir police personals and other security agencies have been deputed for the Yatra duty. The SSP said that measures like area domination, rigorous checking, and continuous frisking have been put in place across the district.

SSP Ganderbal emphasized that special efforts are being made to gather intelligence about locations that could potentially be targeted by anti-national elements. “Keeping this in view, we are on high alert to guarantee a safe and smooth yatra for all pilgrims,” he said. SSP further said that a multi-layer security system has been established, particularly in mountainous regions where movement of the tribal population is commonly observed. These areas are now under heightened surveillance and strict security cover.

“Amaranth Pilgrims have been strongly advised to strictly adhere to the prescribed cut-off timings, follow all instructions provided by security personnel, and avoid isolated locations. Yatris are also cautioned against taking interior or alternative routes suggested by drivers or local transporters. Similar guidelines and cut-off timings apply to tourists as well” SSP added. He said that all the allied departments will maintain a close Co-ordination and work with a team spirit for smooth and peaceful conduct of Amarnath Yatra-2025. SSP said that these security personnel have already been deployed along the route and at base camp Baltal in advance well before the commencement of Yatra on July 3.