Srinagar, June 30 : Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdi IPS on Tuesday said a comprehensive, multi-layered security architecture has been put in place for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police integrating advanced surveillance systems, coordinated security drills and disaster-response mechanisms to secure both pilgrimage routes.
Speaking to reporters as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Birdi said this year’s security plan has been built around intensive mock drills and full-scale rehearsals aimed at ensuring seamless coordination among all agencies associated with the Yatra.
“The purpose of these exercises is to ensure that every stakeholder understands and performs its assigned role effectively. In the event of any contingency, all security agencies must be able to respond in a coordinated and time-bound manner,” he said.
The IGP said the police have further strengthened their operational capabilities by integrating technology into the security framework. Surveillance from elevated locations, coupled with real-time monitoring, has been incorporated to facilitate the early detection of suspicious or abnormal activity.
He said an extensive network of CCTV cameras has been established across the pilgrimage routes and trekking tracks. The surveillance system is equipped with recognition features capable of identifying flagged individuals, enabling security personnel to initiate immediate intervention wherever required.
Birdi said special emphasis has also been laid on preparedness for weather-related emergencies and natural disasters in the higher reaches of the Yatra route.
A joint tabletop exercise involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, district administration and disaster management authorities has been conducted to assess vulnerabilities and coordinate emergency response, he said.
The exercise included mapping of landslide-prone, avalanche-prone and glacier-sensitive stretches, while Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) have been strategically deployed to respond swiftly to any weather-related contingency.
“Our security grid extends across the Valley, from the Navyug Tunnel to both Yatra axes, and operates through a multi-layered security mechanism designed to provide comprehensive protection throughout the pilgrimage,” Birdi said.
Appealing to pilgrims to cooperate with the authorities, the IGP urged them to strictly follow the cut-off timings notified by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Traffic Department.
“Pilgrims are advised to familiarise themselves with the notified timings before commencing their journey and plan their travel accordingly. Adherence to these timings is essential for ensuring regulated movement and enabling security agencies to provide complete security cover during the Yatra,” he said. (KNS)
