Srinagar, Jun 16 (KNO): Authorities have beefed up security across Jammu and Kashmir 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.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) 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.
An official said, “In Anantnag district, 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,” he added.
"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," the official said.
Authorities, he said, 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 Jammu's Samba district to assess response capabilities in the event of a terror attack or other emergency situation," the official added.
The exercise involved coordinated action by multiple agencies and focused on evacuation procedures, emergency response and crowd management, he added.
NORTH KASHMIR
Meanwhile, a large-scale joint security exercise was held in North Kashmir's Baramulla district under the supervision of the Army's 79 Mountain Brigade.
The drill brought together personnel from the Army, CRPF, BSF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), civil administration, Fire and Emergency Services and medical teams.
Officials said the exercise simulated a range of scenarios, including crowd mobilisation, misinformation campaigns, road accidents, stone-pelting incidents and casualty evacuation.
The drill tested command-and-control systems, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and rapid response procedures among participating agencies.
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," the official added.
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.
Officials said security and administrative agencies are working in close coordination to ensure that all arrangements remain in place throughout the pilgrimage period.
Pertinently, the Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country every year.
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—(KNO)