Srinagar, July 16: Amid the spiritual chants, the winding queues of pilgrims, and the crisp mountain air at Baltal in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, an unusual but heartening sight is catching the attention of yatris: women CRPF personnel clad in bright orange vests, each inscribed with the gentle yet commanding phrase —“May I Help You.”
It’s a new initiative rolled out by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) North Srinagar, Sudhir Kumar aimed at blending security with empathy.
These all-women teams, stationed at Manigam base camp and critical points along the Baltal entry, are fast becoming the unsung heroes of this year’s Amarnath Yatra.
“Their primary role is to ensure security with maximum protection to yatris undertaking the holy journey along with assistance to female pilgrims. They also provide guidance to procedure of pre-yatra formalities, stay, offer first aid, and distribute drinking water during waiting period,” said DIG Kumar, who is also the nodal officer for the Amarnath Yatra on the Baltal axis.
He said this initiative is designed to provide a human-centric approach to security and enhance comfort for women pilgrims.
“Even in some cases in emergency, carry ill women to the base hospital in ambulance. The team has developed confidence in women yatris who frequently approach the team for all sorts of help. Their work has become significant for this yatra. However men wing is also working to help the needy,” the CRPF DIG said, adding that the women team has helped scores of yatris.
The CRPF plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra. The CRPF has pooled in the highest number of troops for the annual pilgrimage among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) that began on July 3 via the twin tracks of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal-Ganderbal.
