Srinagar Jul 2: Senior civil and police officials across Jammu and Kashmir are personally extending warm welcomes to the yatris at transit camps, base camps, airports, railway stations, and other key points, even as J&K remains on maximum security alert with fully synergised multi-agency mechanisms in place for the Amarnath Yatra.
The annual yatra, commencing officially on Friday, July 3, and conclude on August 28 - a 57-day period - has seen the first batches of yatris and convoys already receiving grand receptions as they arrive or transit through various locations.
These gestures underscore the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching experience for devotees.
In Srinagar, the first convoy of yatris received a heartfelt welcome with floral greetings.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and SSP Srinagar personally received the yatris, who later praised the arrangements.
Similar warm receptions have been reported at other strategic points, including Udhampur (led by DIG and senior officers), Qazigund-Nayug Tunnel area (DIG South Kashmir and DC Kulgam and team), Ganderbal, and various transit camps.
At base camps, SSP Anantnag and officers welcomed yatris at Nunwan on the Pahalgam axis.
In Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch from Bhagwati Nagar base camp, marking the beginning of preliminary movements.
Officials at airports and railway stations have also been actively involved in receiving and facilitating yatris, assuring them of robust security and seamless logistics.
Yatris have expressed appreciation for the proactive hospitality and visible preparedness.
Authorities have put in place one of the most comprehensive security arrangements ever for the yatra.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the deployment of about 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) — among the highest ever - in coordination with J&K Police, Army, and other agencies.
A robust, multi-layered security grid covers the entire yatra routes (traditional 48-km Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes), base camps, transit points, highways, and sensitive areas.
J&K Police, CAPFs (including CRPF, BSF, and CISF), J&K Armed Police, and intelligence agencies are working in close synergy. In Anantnag district, a critical segment of the Pahalgam route, police have implemented “Project Hawk Eye”, an integrated multi-layered security and surveillance grid combining advanced technology with strategic manpower deployment.
Synergised mechanisms of different security agencies are fully active. The heads of paramilitary, J&K Police, and Army during review of arrangements along the yatra route, assessed operational preparedness including disaster response, mountain rescue capabilities, medical assistance for yatris, and anti-sabotage measures.
Coordination mechanisms with other security forces and civil authorities were also reviewed. The arrangements follow high-level reviews, including by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who directed an “impregnable” multi-layered security grid and technology-driven protection.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officers have overseen ground-level execution. Over 3.5 lakh yatris have registered for the yatra. Mandatory registration, RFID tags, medical camps, upgraded infrastructure, community kitchens, and fixed fares are in place to support a comfortable journey.