New Delhi, June 10: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has stepped up counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra, with enhanced deployment in high-altitude areas and heightened surveillance in the plains to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
The 57-day Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Officials said the security measures are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening the existing security grid in view of the large number of pilgrims expected to visit the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.
The decision follows directions issued by CRPF Director General G.P. Singh during a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with senior officers and field commanders. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and boosting counter-terror preparedness along the pilgrimage routes.
Officials said CRPF units have been directed to intensify operations on higher ridges while maintaining round-the-clock vigilance in vulnerable areas across the Valley. The measures form part of the Standard Operating Procedure adopted every year in view of the significance of the pilgrimage and the security challenges associated with it.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine is conducted through the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal and attracts thousands of devotees from across the country.
Meanwhile, authorities have declared all Amarnath Yatra routes a “No Flying Zone” from July 1 until the conclusion of the pilgrimage. As a result, helicopter services for pilgrims will not be available during the Yatra this year.
Pilgrims have been advised to undertake the journey on foot or use ponies and palkis to reach the shrine. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) is overseeing arrangements for the pilgrimage, during which devotees travel to the cave shrine to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice lingam. (Agencies)
