Amarnath Yatra 2023: Enhanced Security Measures and Mock Drills in Kashmir

Security Preparations for Amarnath Yatra

With the Amarnath Yatra set to begin on July 3, security remains a critical focus for officials in the Kashmir Valley. In anticipation of the annual pilgrimage, security forces have executed extensive mock drills at various bases and transit camps in districts such as Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pahalgam, and Anantnag to ensure the safety of the thousands of pilgrims expected.

The coordinated security exercise involved several agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Army units. These drills were designed to evaluate the preparedness of security personnel to handle emergencies such as terrorist threats, natural disasters, fire incidents, and medical crises.

GV Sundeep, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Srinagar, highlighted the significance of these drills, stating, "Today, we conducted multiple mock drills along the Yatra route in all eight zones. The primary goal is to assess the coordination and responsiveness among the forces. Our administration is prepared for any challenges that may arise."

This year's Amarnath Yatra has seen significant advancements in security technology, including the introduction of AI-based facial recognition systems. For the first time, data on active terrorists and over-ground workers (OGWs) has been integrated into this system, which will alert authorities if any flagged individuals are detected. Additionally, every pilgrim will be issued RFID tags for real-time tracking, enhancing safety during the pilgrimage.

High-resolution CCTV cameras and drones will ensure continuous monitoring, with control rooms set up at base camps. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal units will be strategically placed to swiftly address any potential threats.

"The Jammu and Kashmir Police have been enhancing their technological capabilities for years. The implementation of facial recognition systems and AI this year marks a significant advancement in our security efforts during the Yatra," stated SSP Sundeep. "We are confident that these measures will help us prevent any criminal activities."

In a proactive approach, both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes have been designated as "No Flying Zones" from July 1 to August 10, 2023, with exceptions for authorized security or emergency aircraft. Anti-drone technology has also been deployed to mitigate unauthorized aerial threats, and daily sanitization operations will be conducted along the Yatra routes.