With the annual Amarnathji Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has stepped up security measures across Jammu and Kashmir by intensifying counter-terror operations in sensitive high-altitude areas and strengthening surveillance in the plains. The enhanced security arrangements are part of a broader strategy to ensure the 57-day pilgrimage, ending on August 28, remains peaceful and free of any untoward incidents. Officials said the move is aimed at reinforcing the existing security network in view of the large number of pilgrims expected to visit the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.

The decision follows specific instructions from CRPF Director General GP Singh, who is currently on a three-day visit to the Valley. During his visit, Singh chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with senior CRPF officers and field commanders to assess preparedness for the Yatra. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the meeting focused on improving coordination and boosting counter-terror readiness along the pilgrimage routes.

“The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen the security grid to ensure peace and normalcy for a safe and incident-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026,” officials said. They added that CRPF commanders have been directed to intensify counter-terror operations in higher reaches while maintaining strict round-the-clock monitoring in the plains.

Officials noted that these measures form part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) implemented ahead of the annual pilgrimage, considering the significance of the Yatra and the heavy footfall of devotees travelling through the two routes — Pahalgam and Baltal. Organised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Amarnath Yatra draws thousands of pilgrims every year to the sacred cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.

As part of the security arrangements, authorities have declared all Yatra routes, including both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, as ‘No Flying Zones’ from July 1 until the completion of the pilgrimage. Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrims will remain suspended during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY) 2026. Pilgrims have been advised to undertake the journey on foot or use ponies and palkis to reach the holy cave shrine. Devotees undertake the challenging annual pilgrimage during the June–August period to offer prayers at the revered ice lingam located in the cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.