Multi-layered security in place for Amarnath Yatra; police conduct mock drills in key places

A week before the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra, strong and detailed security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the pilgrimage takes place safely and smoothly.

 

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi said this year’s security setup is better and more prepared than in previous years.

 

“As compared to last year, this time there are enhanced multi-layered and in-depth arrangements to secure the Yatra route and all associated facilities,” he said.

 

The 38-day pilgrimage, which begins on July 3, will have several layers of security. Police have conducted full drills to assess their readiness for any emergency.

 

“The aim of these drills is to stay alert and be prepared for any emergency,” Birdi explained. “These exercises were held at all important spots like camps, roads, and paths so every security person knows their role if something goes wrong.”

 

Mock drills have been carried out at important places such as Pahalgam, Anantnag, Qazigund, Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, and Sumbal in Bandipora. These drills practised how to respond to large crowds, road accidents, or possible terror attacks.

 

Srinagar Police also held a large mock drill with other departments to check how well they work together in an emergency. Security agencies are closely monitoring social media to stop any online threats.

 

In North Kashmir, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Maqsood-ul-Zaman visited the Shadipora Transit Camp to inspect security plans. 

 

Special focus has been given to following proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which include clear rules for surveillance, intelligence sharing, vehicle movement, and handling emergencies. Police have also reviewed CCTV coverage, traffic management, and sanitation. This year’s Yatra is significant because of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. 

 

In response, India carried out airstrikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India