Joint Mock Drills, K-9 Dog Squad and Establishment of Checkpoints For Security on Amarnath Yatra 2025, Know Update

With the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3, 2025, comprehensive security preparations are underway to ensure the safety of thousands of pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to Baba Barfani’s shrine. Following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, authorities have significantly strengthened security arrangements along both traditional routes. The Amarnath Yatra 2025 will operate through both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to depart from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. This early departure allows for final security checks and coordination before the official commencement of the pilgrimage.

Joint mock drills were conducted along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Monday to assess emergency response capabilities. These exercises simulated various scenarios, including landslides and natural disasters, focusing on evacuation procedures, prompt emergency response, and medical aid coordination.

The security drills encompassed convoy management under armed escort, vehicle rescue operations, and immediate first aid for injured pilgrims, coordination protocols between disaster response teams & security agencies, and assessment of communication systems during emergencies. In response to the safety concerns, earlier Jammu and Kashmir Administration had declared the Amarnath route as a no-fly zone area from July 1st to August 10th.

In line with security concerns, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) surveillance has been intensified throughout the region, with K-9 dog squads deployed alongside regular patrolling teams. The security framework includes drone surveillance units for aerial monitoring, bomb disposal squads positioned at strategic locations, quick reaction teams for rapid response to incidents, and facial recognition systems at checkpoints for identity verification.

Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh outlined comprehensive security protocols, stating in a Business Standard report: “A detailed briefing session was held to apprise officers of the current threat scenario and standard operating procedures to be followed while performing duties. Emphasis was laid on maintaining high alertness and ensuring coordinated efforts among all security agencies.”

Ticket counters have been set up at Saraswati Dham in Jammu for offline bookings. Offline registration for the Amarnath Yatra commenced on Monday at special centers established by the administration. Despite heavy rainfall on the first day of registration, large crowds gathered at Jammu centers, demonstrating unwavering devotion among pilgrims. Many devotees expressed confidence in the security arrangements, with several stating that the Pahalgam terror attack has not diminished their faith in the Indian Army’s protective capabilities. Registration numbers have increased significantly.

Anti-sabotage operations are being conducted daily, with joint checkpoints (nakas) established at multiple strategic locations across districts. These checkpoints operate round-the-clock and focus on the identity verification of all pilgrims and support staff, detection of suspicious movement through advanced screening, vehicle inspection with comprehensive security protocols, and coordination between multiple security agencies. The security arrangements involve seamless coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indian Army units. Regular mock drills have been conducted at various locations, including Toldi Nallah and Samroli, with exercises held on Sundays to test inter-agency response capabilities.

The preparedness monitoring is being conducted by senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, and other high-ranking administrative officers. The Director General of Police has emphasized the importance of maintaining coordination between all agencies while ensuring operational readiness of specialized units.

Security teams have advised all Amarnath Yatra participants to carry necessary documents, particularly valid identification proof, to facilitate pilgrims smoothly. They’re encouraged to cooperate with security personnel at all checkpoints and follow prescribed safety protocols throughout their journey. The enhanced security measures reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience while maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the Amarnath Yatra tradition.
 

Amarnath Yatra 2025 has been reduced to 38 days only. Read here