Multi-layered security arrangements put in place for Amarnath yatra

The Pathankot police and several other security agencies have devised a robust and multi-layered security arrangements that are more comprehensive than previous years for the safe and smooth pilgrimage of devotees during the Amarnath yatra, which commences from July 3. Special attention is being given to the security measures keeping in view the Pahalgam attack.

DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla presided over a high-level inter-department coordination committee meeting here today. Senior officers of the Army, BSF, Punjab Police, HP and J&K police were also present during the proceedings. Every year, during the monsoon thousands of devotees from across India undertake the spiritually intense and physically demanding Amarnath Yatra to the sacred cave shrine in J&K.

Senior officers say with the Pahalgam terror suspects still absconding, intelligence agencies have issued a fresh alert of a possible attack during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Shukla made it clear that the decks had been cleared for devotees to travel to the Amarnath cave without “any fear or hassles”. He presided over the two-hour long deliberations in which all eventualities and possibilities were discussed threadbare. Pathankot SSP Daljinder Singh Dhillon said special check posts had been established on the Pathankot-Jammu national highway. “The entire route has been divided into zones with a senior officer supervising each zone,” he said.

Shukla added that Pathankot had been specially chosen as the venue for the meeting as it is considered to be a central place. “The city acts as a gateway to both J&K and HP,” he said.

Due to the elevated risk, the route has been declared a no-fly zone, and helicopter services for pilgrims have been suspended this year. Authorities have divided the region into smaller security zones and further segmented these into pockets, each under the vigilance of multiple agencies for comprehensive coverage. The route has been declared as a no-fly zone.

These restrictions will not be applicable in cases of medical evacuation, disaster management and for surveillance by security forces.