‘Additional layers of security being put in place keeping in view prevailing threat environment and need to ensure safe and incident-free yatra’
Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, June 7
The Centre has begun the phased deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, as part of an expanded security plan aimed at ensuring the safe conduct of the pilgrimage, security officials said.
The mobilisation, being carried out under Operation SANJY-2026, is designed to establish a multi-layered security grid covering pilgrimage routes, base camps, transit facilities and other critical locations across J&K.
Senior security officials said the induction of paramilitary personnel had already begun and would continue in phases until the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
“Additional layers of security are being put in place keeping in view the prevailing threat environment and the need to ensure a safe and incident-free yatra,” a senior official said.
According to officials, the first phase of the deployment includes 115 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Of these, 95 companies are already stationed in Jammu and Kashmir on temporary deployment, while 20 additional companies are being inducted to strengthen security arrangements.
Authorities said instructions regarding the deployment had been issued and preparations were progressing according to schedule.
Security officials said a comprehensive plan had been prepared to secure both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, with special focus on base camps, transit camps, assembly points and other vulnerable locations.
“The entire yatra corridor will remain under close security surveillance,” an official said.
Modern surveillance systems, including drone monitoring and intelligence-based operations, will form a key component of the security architecture, officials said.
Deployment plans involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies are also being finalised.
The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an altitude of about 3,888 metres in south Kashmir, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year. Authorities expect a large turnout in 2026 and have adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards security lapses.
Last year’s pilgrimage concluded peacefully under extensive security arrangements and recorded a high number of pilgrims, officials said.
