Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 30 : With the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their preparations, conducting anti-terror mock drills and deploying a multi-layered security grid across the yatra routes.
In Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with paramilitary forces, conducted an anti-terror mock drill on Tuesday at the newly constructed Yatri Nivas, Shri Prem Garg Bhawan, located at the Pathan Chowk Base Camp.
Speaking to ANI, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi stated that the security apparatus is being fine-tuned across all yatra districts.
"Police, jawans, Central paramilitary forces, and all stakeholders together conducted mock drills to face any contingency situations. Mock drills are being conducted in all Yatra districts," IGP Birdi said.
The IGP further detailed the security arrangements, emphasising 24/7 surveillance and specialised teams for high-altitude challenges.
"Our security apparatus will remain deployed both day and night. A security grid is deployed for the management of convoys of the pilgrims. As the yatra travels through rugged & high-altitude areas as well, NDAM experts, along with District Disaster Management Committees, conduct a table-top exercise here. Mountain rescue teams of the J&K Police and other paramilitary forces are deployed in vulnerable areas to respond to any contingencies," he added.
Meanwhile, in Ramban district, the CRPF has established a major logistics and security hub at Lambar Ground in Banihal.
Manish Bamola, Commandant of the 166 Battalion of the CRPF, explained that this location serves as a critical exchange point for the yatra.
"The primary function here involves the convoy exchange process; this is the designated exchange point where convoys from Pahalgam and Baltal meet the incoming parties from Jammu, facilitating the handover between the J&K contingents... The Lambar Ground camp spans approximately 17 acres. It includes accommodation for security forces and hosts 22 'langars' (community kitchens), while the State govt has arranged lodging for the pilgrims," Bamola told ANI.
The Commandant highlighted the strict safety protocols, including a nighttime travel restriction.
"The cut-off time of this camp is 3 PM, after which no pilgrim or tourist is permitted to proceed further at night... Lambar Ground can accommodate around 1,500 people... we have additional facilities, such as the transit centre, bringing the total capacity in Banihal to approximately 2,500 people," he noted.
Detailing the inter-agency cooperation, Bamola informed that while the CRPF is primarily responsible for the site, companies from the CISF, SSB, and BSF have also been integrated into the security grid.
"The J&K Police and CRPF are working together. Army has also installed anti-drone systems and air defence capabilities," the Commandant added.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an altitude of around 3,880 metres in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, is one of the country's most significant religious pilgrimages.
Devotees undertake the yatra to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to symbolise Lord Shiva.
The 57-day pilgrimage this year will commence simultaneously from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3.
The yatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.