Enhanced air defence system, increase in troop deployment: Measures in place for Amarnath Yatra after Pahalgam attack

According to reports, there are heightened security measures with a sharp increase in troop deployment and the use of anti-drone and air defence systems for the Yatra.

Months after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to ensure maximum security for the pilgrims for this year's Amarnath Yatra.  The security apparatus has planned to deploy enhanced air defence measures and increase the deployment of troops manifold for the yatra that will commence on July 3 and will continue until August 9, The Indian Express reported.

More than 1 lakh devotees have already visited the cave shrine of Amarnath in the first six days of the annual pilgrimage. According to reports, there are heightened security measures with a sharp increase in troop deployment and the use of anti-drone and air defence systems for the Yatra.

Amid tight security, a fresh batch of over 7,500 pilgrims left from Jammu early Wednesday for the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas.

A total of 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which is 30 more than previous years, have been deployed for the security of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu division this year, a senior police officer said.

Escorted by CRPF and police personnel, the eighth batch of 7,579 pilgrims, including 5,719 men, 1,577 women and 40 children, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in 318 vehicles for the twin base camps in Kashmir between 3.25 am and 3.40 am, the officials said.

More than 3.5 lakh people have registered online for the pilgrimage so far. Thirty-four accommodation centres have been set up across Jammu, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are being issued to the pilgrims. Twelve counters have been set up for on-the-spot registration.

According to The Indian Express citing officials, the Army has undertaken a series of security initiatives, including increased deployment of troops in higher reaches, intensified patrolling in neighbouring valleys, and the deployment of both anti-drone and air defence systems.

There are extensive surveillance and monitoring measures in place. Satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and a network of radars are being used.

A multi-layered deployment of security forces has been established along both routes to the Amarnath shrine.The two routes to the holy cave are: the northern route via Baltal in Kashmir and the southern route via Pahalgam, which is longer and more time-consuming

The Army is responsible for securing the periphery, higher reaches, and areas inaccessible by vehicles or on foot and the police and paramilitary forces are deployed in population centres and positioned close to the pilgrimage routes.

The report says each route is managed by one Rashtriya Rifles battalion, with around two battalion-strength units (1000-1200 troops in a battalion) deployed per route.

The Army’s Special Forces and air defence units are stationed at key locations along the routes.

It is also known that joint control rooms, comprising personnel from the Army, police, paramilitary forces, and civil administration, have been set up along each route for coordination and responses to contingencies.

“No-fly zones for aircraft and drones have already been enforced. All approaches to the yatra routes and nearby valleys are under constant surveillance,” an official told The Indian Express, adding, there is frequent patrolling by troops, and multi-tiered security checks are conducted on all individuals.”

There are also restrictions on carrying certain equipment, including small drones, and strict schedules are enforced for yatra convoys and civilian traffic to avoid any overlap along the vehicle routes.

With inputs from agencies