• DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews security at Nunwan Base Camp
• Multi-layer surveillance in place
Srinagar: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will formally begin on Friday amid heightened spiritual fervour and an unprecedented security grid across Jammu and Kashmir, with over 3.90 lakh devotees already registered for this year’s pilgrimage.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres, will commence simultaneously via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 28.
The pilgrimage began on a high note on Thursday as the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims entered Kashmir after being flagged off by Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.
As the convoy crossed into the Valley through Navyug Tunnel, devotees were welcomed with flower petals, garlands and bouquets by police and civil administration officials amid chants of “Bam BamBhole.”
The yatris later proceeded towards the twin base camps at Baltal Base Camp and Nunwan Base Camp, from where they will begin the onward trek early Friday.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, Nalin Prabhat, chief of Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Thursday reviewed security and facilitation arrangements at Pahalgam.
The DGP visited the Nunwan Frisking Point and conducted a comprehensive inspection of security measures, access control mechanisms, personnel deployment and facilities created for pilgrims.
During the visit, Prabhat interacted with officers and personnel deployed on yatra duty and stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of vigilance, professionalism and public service.
“Security checks must be thorough but pilgrim-friendly. The movement of yatris should remain seamless while ensuring zero compromise on safety,” Prabhat told officers.
He emphasised close coordination among all security agencies and civil administration to ensure a secure, peaceful and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Appreciating the efforts of police and security personnel, the DGP urged them to remain alert and compassionate.
“Every pilgrim must feel safe, secure and assisted throughout the journey,” he said.
Later, Prabhat chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Nunwan Base Camp with senior police officers, where the prevailing security scenario, operational preparedness, deployment strategy, area domination, intelligence coordination and contingency planning were reviewed in detail.
Appreciating the dedication and professionalism of police personnel deployed on yatra duty, the DGP directed officers to maintain round-the-clock alertness and effective supervision at all levels. “Every possible measure must be taken to ensure a safe, secure and seamless pilgrimage experience for yatris,” he said.
Authorities said both Kashmir and Jammu regions have been placed under an extensive security grid with multi-layer deployment and technology-based surveillance.
The security architecture includes Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Army units, surveillance systems, drone monitoring, access-control checkpoints and emergency response teams.
Traffic restrictions will remain in force on several stretches of National Highway 44 from July 2 to August 28, with daily advisories and sector-wise cut-off timings to regulate convoy movement, officials said.
On-the-spot registration has also started in Jammu to accommodate additional devotees.
Meanwhile, Anantnag Police welcomed pilgrims entering south Kashmir and said elaborate arrangements have been made in coordination with civil administration, CAPFs and the health department.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure said dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been established.
“We welcome all devotees with warmth and respect. Elaborate security, traffic management and facilitation arrangements are in place to ensure a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching pilgrimage,” Nagpure said.
He urged yatris to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.
“We request pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activity or unattended object immediately,” he said.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured devotees that all arrangements for the pilgrimage had been put in place.
“It is our responsibility to ensure every pilgrim undertakes this sacred journey with dignity, safety and comfort,” Sinha said.
He described the yatra as a symbol of India’s spiritual unity.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a living thread that binds people of diverse cultures and traditions into one shared fabric of faith,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
With chants of devotion echoing across the Valley and the first batch already stationed at the base camps, Jammu and Kashmir is fully geared up for one of India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages.
