In Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have tightened security across the Union Territory ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, with multi-layered arrangements, mock drills and coordinated exercises being carried out to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Security forces, police and civil administration have activated a comprehensive security grid covering transit routes, base camps, railway infrastructure, lodgement centres and other critical installations linked to the pilgrimage, scheduled to begin early next month.
The police have strengthened security measures along the traditional Pahalgam route. Specialised teams are carrying out anti-sabotage checks, area domination exercises and sanitisation drives from Khanabal to Pahalgam, covering transit points, parking areas, accommodation centres and vulnerable locations.
The operations are being supported by bomb disposal squads, sniffer dog units and technical surveillance teams. Security personnel are also conducting inspections of vehicles, including abandoned and unattended vehicles, while surveillance has been enhanced in forest areas and along key stretches of the pilgrimage route.
Authorities have also introduced QR code-based verification for service providers associated with the yatra, including pony operators and other workers, to strengthen identification and monitoring mechanisms.
As part of broader preparedness efforts, security forces conducted a mock drill at the Chichi Mata Temple in Samba district to assess response capabilities in the event of a terror attack or other emergency situation.
The exercise involved coordinated action by multiple agencies and focused on evacuation procedures, emergency response and crowd management. Security arrangements have also been reviewed at railway stations, bridges, culverts and other critical infrastructure in several districts.
Regular searches and area sanitisation drives are being undertaken as part of preventive measures. To strengthen administrative coordination during the pilgrimage, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has temporarily deputed 63 officers from various departments.
The officers will assist in managing logistics, pilgrim facilities, inter-departmental coordination and other operational requirements during the yatra.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended objects to security agencies as preparations gather pace for the annual pilgrimage.