Srinagar: A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir regions for two-days on June 20 and 21 to assess preparedness especially security arrangements for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3.
As per reports the team will comprise heads of paramilitary forces, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and Intelligence Bureau and other key wings of the MHA. “Officers will review security arrangements for 57-day-long yatra in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The MHA meeting in Jammu is expected on June 20 followed by a similar meeting in Kashmir division on June 21,” sources added.
Pertinently, on June 12 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review security preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. He directed the top security brass to focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. “Safety of pilgrims remains the top priority of the PM Modi-led government,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister directed officials to put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid along the Yatra routes through close coordination between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.
Shah laid emphasis on integrating modern technology with traditional security mechanisms.
During the meeting officials were directed to ensure extensive deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, and advanced monitoring systems to further strengthen situational awareness and threat response capabilities.
The Home Minister also instructed that senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police be deployed at key camp locations to maintain continuous oversight of arrangements on the ground throughout the duration of the Yatra.
Apart from the Yatra routes, HM Shah asked officials to ensure enhanced security arrangements at other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrine, is set to commence on July 3, with authorities working to ensure tight security and smooth management amid challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has readied a Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) of its personnel who will provide emergency help to the pilgrims during the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra through the Baltal route in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 30-personnel team will be equipped with all the basic rescue and medical aid kit like oxygen cylinders, portable stretchers, ropes, medicines for high-altitude sickness and drinking water etc.
“The teams will be deployed at strategic locations along the Baltal route. They will assist pilgrims who require basic medical care or help due to exhaustion or injury,” Sudhir Kumar, CRPF deputy inspector general (DIG) and Nodal officer for the Yatra, told PTI.
Kumar, who is conducting the Yatra for the third time, said the CRPF MRT will also assist other relief and rescue agencies in case of landslide or flash floods.
These CRPF teams have become a regular feature along the Baltal axis since the last year and were seen administering oxygen and other essentials to the needy travellers and those who are part of organising the Yatra.
This CRPF MRT along with others will be flagged off for deployment from Srinagar on Thursday, a senior officer said.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas is scheduled to begin on July 3.
Pilgrims travel through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district to reach the shrine.
A total of 670 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are being deployed for the security of the Yatra apart from the personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Last year, 581 CAPF companies were deployed for the annual pilgrimage. The units have been enhanced this time “in view of the current security threats assessed post the Pahalgam attack in 2025”, officials said.
Each CAPF company has an operational strength of 72-75 personnel.
