By Manish Shukla
The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, starting June 29, poses a significant challenge for security agencies to provide a foolproof security arrangement for the 52-day pilgrimage. Pilgrims will embark on a treacherous journey through either the 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag or the 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal, with the first batch departing from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on June 28. The security agencies’ top priority is to ensure the safety of devotees traversing the challenging terrain.
According to the government, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly since the abrogation of Article 370. There has been a decline in terrorist incidents, and a large number of tourists are visiting the Union Territory (UT). In 2022, 3.04 lakh pilgrims visited the holy Amarnath cave, which increased to 4.5 lakh in 2023. The number of pilgrims is expected to cross 5 lakh this year, indicating a significant boost to tourism in the region.
According to central security agency sources, the improvement in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has alarmed terrorist handlers based across the border, prompting a persistent threat of terrorist attacks in the region, as they attempt to disrupt the peace and stability restored through intense counter-terrorism operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir sent a powerful message that his government remains resolute in thwarting the terrorists’ nefarious plans. During his visit Prime Minister Modi also stated that the central government is taking the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir very seriously. He warned that those plotting against the region will face severe consequences, emphasizing that ‘no stone will be left unturned’ (Koi kasar baaki nahi chodenge) in teaching them a lesson.
In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the people of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated enthusiasm by participating in large numbers, with long queues seen outside polling booths. The Election Commission, after reviewing the security situation, is preparing to announce the dates for the upcoming Assembly elections. Prime Minister Modi had also confirmed during his visit to Kashmir that Assembly elections would be held soon in the UT.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi on June 16 to review the security arrangements and make necessary preparations for the Amarnath Yatra. The meeting was attended by top officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau, senior Army officials including General Manoj Pande and Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of Central Armed Police Forces, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, and other high-ranking officers.
Amit Shah directed security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure adequate deployment of security personnel for the Amarnath Yatra. it was decided that to curb the recent surge in terrorist incidents in the Jammu region, the focus would be on strengthening the anti-infiltration grid, gathering enhanced intelligence, increasing the number of security personnel on the ground, and intensifying patrolling efforts. Additionally, the meeting also discussed the need to crack down on individuals and networks providing logistical support to foreign terrorists after they infiltrate into India.
In recent days, a surge in terrorist attacks has been observed in Jammu, with terrorists succeeding in carrying out major attacks. On June 11, nine pilgrims were killed and 41 injured when a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked in Reasi.
The central government is contemplating the deployment of additional paramilitary forces in Jammu to bolster security and prevent further terrorist activities. Additionally, a strict vigil is being maintained along the international border with Pakistan and the Line of Control to prevent any infiltration attempt by terrorists.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police are gearing up to ensure the security of the Amarnath Yatra, including the places where the pilgrims will stay, as well as the entire route of the yatra.
On Saturday, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K Birdi, also conducted a thorough inspection of the security arrangements along the Amarnath Yatra route, from Navyug Tunnel to Chandanwari, to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage for all participants. He also chaired a meeting with police and central paramilitary forces’ officers to review the security measures. The focus was on stringent monitoring, vigilance, and patrolling to prevent any security breaches.
The IGP Kashmir meticulously examined the security arrangements at various camping sites, emphasizing the need for robust and sustained security measures to protect pilgrims from harm by anti-national elements. The inspection included an assessment of ground deployment, access control, anti-sabotage teams, surveillance systems, and emergency response protocols.
With nearly two decades in Journalism, the author covers Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs. His expertise covers a wide range of crucial subjects, including terror-related cases, Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pakistan relations, and India-China relations.
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