By Tehelka Web Desk
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has approved the deployment of 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for security arrangements during the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Official sources said this would be the largest deployment of paramilitary forces for the annual pilgrimage so far, aimed at ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir.
According to sources, the security blueprint was finalized after detailed consultations between the MHA and senior security officials in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CAPF deployment will extend from Lakhanpur, the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, up to the Amarnath cave shrine. Security personnel will be stationed along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, Yatri Niwas Jammu, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Pathankot-Jammu highway, and other important locations linked to the pilgrimage.
Officials said additional paramilitary companies are expected to reach Jammu and Kashmir in the first week of June, while the full deployment is likely to be completed by June 25, ahead of the commencement of the yatra.
The Indian Army will secure strategic locations along the pilgrimage tracks and around the cave shrine, while the Jammu and Kashmir Police will continue to coordinate security operations throughout the pilgrimage period.
Sources said the security deployment has been planned in such a way that it does not hamper ongoing anti-terror operations across the Union Territory.
Special attention will remain focused on the Baltal and Chandanwari routes, the cave shrine, and key transit camps. Security at Baltal, Nunwan and Yatri Niwas Jammu will be strengthened further, with Road Opening Parties (ROPs), area domination patrols and surveillance being intensified along the highways.
Authorities are also tightening security along the Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor in view of the expected rise in pilgrim movement through Vande Bharat Express services.
The railway stretch passing through Udhampur, Katra, Reasi, Banihal and Qazigund will remain under heightened security during the pilgrimage period.
Officials said more than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already registered for this year’s Amarnath Yatra since registrations opened on April 15 through designated bank branches across the country, and the number continues to increase.
The annual pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the Baltal-Sonamarg and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima.
Registration for the yatra is being conducted through designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Yes Bank across the country.
