Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Srinagar, June 29: Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway ahead of the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, with authorities deploying additional personnel and advanced surveillance systems to ensure the safety of thousands of pilgrims expected to travel to the holy cave shrine in the coming days.

As part of extensive precautionary measures, security forces have intensified their presence along the entire route to safeguard the annual pilgrimage. Commandant N. Ranbir Singh of the 84 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place, with the battalion deployed in the Ramban sector, a key stretch of the highway through which pilgrims from across the country will travel.

The elaborate security preparations, Commandant Singh stated that all necessary measures have been implemented to provide a safe and secure environment for devotees. He said security personnel have been strategically deployed across the national highway, while specialised dog squads, bomb disposal teams, drones and Quick Action Teams have also been positioned at critical locations to detect and respond to any potential threat.

He further informed that additional contingents of the CRPF and the Indian Army have also been deployed in the region, with clearly defined responsibilities assigned to every unit. According to him, coordination among various security agencies is extremely strong, and all departments are working together in close cooperation to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the pilgrimage.

The administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in coordination with the police and security forces, conducted a full-scale dry run of the Shri Amarnath Yatra convoy on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway on Monday. The preparatory exercise was carried out to assess operational readiness and ensure that all security arrangements are in place before the commencement of the pilgrimage.

The prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), security checkpoints have been established at designated locations along the highway. Road Opening Parties (ROPs) have been carrying out continuous patrols from the early hours of the morning, thoroughly sanitising the route before the movement of pilgrims.

Each Road Opening Party has been assigned responsibility for securing a stretch of approximately four to five kilometres of the national highway. Security personnel are conducting detailed searches of all adjoining areas, bridges, culverts and vulnerable points to eliminate any security risks and ensure that the pilgrimage proceeds without disruption.

The extensive security deployment reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring the safety of devotees participating in one of India's most significant annual religious pilgrimages. Authorities have reiterated that every possible precaution has been taken to facilitate a peaceful and incident-free Amarnath Yatra while maintaining constant vigilance across the entire Jammu–Srinagar corridor.