Amarnath Yatra: DGP Orders Deployment of QRTs, Enhanced Surveillance Along Pilgrimage Routes

As only 19 days remain before the commencement of this year's Shri Amarnath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, on Sunday ordered the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at all strategic locations to provide immediate assistance whenever required.

The QRTs will be deployed to strengthen emergency response mechanisms during the 57-day annual pilgrimage, which will start on July 3 and conclude on August 28 on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The DGP also stressed the need for wide publicity to make the general public and pilgrims aware of the designated cut-off timings. He directed officers to conduct regular inspections of security arrangements and facilities established for Yatra pilgrims.

Prabhat chaired a high-level security review meeting in Kashmir on Sunday to assess and further strengthen security arrangements for the smooth, safe, and peaceful conduct of this year's Shri Amarnath Yatra.

The meeting was held two days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi to assess preparations for the annual pilgrimage.

Reviewing the overall security preparedness, the DGP directed officers to maintain a high state of readiness and ensure close coordination at all levels. He instructed them to maintain heightened vigilance across all sensitive and vulnerable locations.

DGP Directs Enhanced Surveillance Along Yatra Routes

The DGP called for enhanced surveillance, regular area domination exercises, intensified combing and search operations (CASOs), and continuous patrolling along the Yatra routes, railway tracks, vulnerable pockets, and major tourist destinations.

He further directed that daily anti-sabotage checks be conducted along the pilgrimage routes and that all major arteries remain under round-the-clock security surveillance and domination.

Emphasising the optimum utilisation of modern technology, he asked officers to make effective use of CCTV networks and other surveillance systems at all key Yatra locations, transit camps, base camps, and along the pilgrimage routes. He also directed that RFID-based tracking and monitoring systems be fully utilised to strengthen security mechanisms and improve emergency response capabilities for pilgrims and authorised Yatra vehicles.

The DGP instructed officers to maintain a close watch on terrorist associates and other anti-national elements while ensuring adequate deployment of security personnel in hinterland areas and other vulnerable locations. He also stressed the need to safeguard all sensitive installations and locations linked to the pilgrimage.

He directed Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to maintain close coordination with the civil administration to ensure effective implementation of security and logistical arrangements. Officers were also instructed to ensure adequate deployment of personnel along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other critical locations to facilitate the safe and secure movement of pilgrims and tourists.

Prabhat stressed the need for regular coordination meetings and comprehensive contingency planning, particularly with regard to disaster management, emergency response, fire incidents, adverse weather conditions, and other unforeseen situations.

Anantnag Police Conduct Mock Drill Ahead of Yatra

As part of the security and preparedness measures for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, Anantnag Police conducted a mock drill at the Landing Strip in Jablipora, Bijbehara, to assess and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Officials said the exercise was aimed at testing operational preparedness, response mechanisms, and coordination among police personnel in handling various contingency situations during the Yatra. Different emergency scenarios were simulated and effectively managed by the participating teams.

Senior police officers reviewed the drill and emphasised the importance of conducting regular preparedness exercises to ensure the safe, secure, and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Officials said Anantnag Police remain committed to maintaining robust security arrangements and ensuring the safety and convenience of all pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

'Pehchan App' Launched for Pilgrim Security

Meanwhile, Anantnag Police have launched the 'Pehchan App', a QR code-based mobile application designed to register and regulate service providers operating along the Amarnath Yatra route and at major tourist destinations.

The application enables instant on-the-spot verification of service providers and helps create a secure ecosystem by clearly distinguishing registered and verified individuals from unregistered persons.

Officials said the primary objective behind launching the Pehchan App is to strengthen the overall security grid during the Yatra by preventing the entry of unverified or anti-social elements posing as service providers.