MHA approves large-scale deployment of paramilitary forces for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, May 29: As the annual Amarnath Yatra begins on July 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a large-scale deployment of paramilitary forces to secure the pilgrimage routes and surrounding areas. A total of 581 companies of paramilitary forces will be stationed across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a smooth and safe yatra.

The MHA has authorized the J&K administration and police to utilise 156 CAPF companies already stationed in the region. These include 91 CRPF, 30 SSB, 15 CISF, 13 BSF, and 7 ITBP units, each comprising around 75 to 80 personnel.

The MHA will dispatch an additional 425 companies by June 10, which will include 130 BSF, 128 CRPF (including 5 women’s units), 67 SSB, 55 ITBP, and 45 CISF companies. The forces will be on duty till the conclusion of the yatra on August 9, after which they will be de-inducted.

The deployed forces will be tasked with securing the cave shrine, managing pilgrim convoys, dominating sensitive stretches, and maintaining a constant presence along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. [KNT]