Amit Shah Reviews Security Measures in Jammu
Visit to Jammu: Amit Shah Addresses Security Issues Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
In his recent visit to Jammu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah huddled with key officials, armed forces, and intelligence agencies for a critical security review meeting, focusing on the ongoing issues in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The main topic of discussion was the upcoming Amarnath yatra, set to commence on July 3, 2025, and scheduled to last till August 9. This significant pilgrimage to the 3,888m high revered cave-shrine in Kashmir hills is expected to attract over half a million pilgrims from India and abroad. Given the heightened security concerns following the April 22 terror attack, an extensive security plan is in the works.
The meeting at Raj Bhavan also addressed the recent military escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) with Pakistan, the aftermath, and the security measures put in place to stymie cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The gathering was attended by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner, IGPs from both Jammu and Valley regions, senior officers from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), BSF and other paramilitary forces, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and various other Central and Union Territory intelligence agencies, as well as top Army commanders.
The meeting marked Shah's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the launch of 'Operation Sindoor,' a strong response to terrorism and a clear message to those responsible for the Pahalgam carnage that such actions will face severe repercussions.
During his visit, Shah will also address the BSF jawans at their Unit Headquarters in Poonch and meet the families of the civilians killed in recent Pakistani firing and shelling. He will distribute appointment letters among the next of kin of the deceased, as per an official statement.
As a mark of respect, Shah will also pay obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch, which, along with other religious sites, suffered damage in the cross-LoC shelling that occurred between May 7 and 10. Over a dozen civilians were killed, and several others injured in this round of shelling, which also caused widespread destruction in Poonch and neighboring Rajouri district.
Interestingly, the Home Minister's security plan for the Amarnath yatra includes a substantial deployment of CRPF personnel, near 50,000, alongside Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with 581 companies from various CAPFs[1][2]. Additionally, signal jammers will be installed to protect convoys from potential remote-controlled IED threats, drones will be used for real-time aerial surveillance, satellite phones will be provided to security personnel for efficient communication, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will be used to monitor pilgrims and pony riders, and specialized units such as K9 units, Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS), Quick Action Teams (QATs), and Road Opening Parties (ROPs) will be positioned for rapid response and route security[3]. A comprehensive security audit and digital mapping of all routes have also been carried out[2]. All approach roads to the national highway will be sealed during convoy movements, and security arrangements will be in place on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes[2]. This extensive security plan reflects the authorities' commitment to ensuring a safe and successful Amarnath yatra amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
[1] India Today, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-2023-more-than-35-lakh-register-for-pilgrimage-1922880-2023-04-20[2] Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-2023-security-arrangements-who-will-guard-pilgrims-how-will-it-be-different-101683634493821.html[3] Outlook, https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/amarnath-yatra-2023-crpf-bordes-to-prepare-39-significant-steps-for-security-sadrish-mukherjee-on-final-rehearsal-of-the-training-programme/420134
- Given the ongoing concerns related to war-and-conflicts along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan, discussions about political strategies for enhancing security were prevalent during the meeting.
- In addition to the Amarnath yatra security plan, the gathering also addressed the recent surge in crime-and-justice incidents such as the Pahalgam terror attack, focusing on reinforcing general-news measures to combat such crimes and maintain law and order in the region.
