Jammu, June 21, 2025 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a high-level security review meeting at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday, focusing on the prevailing security situation and preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3, 2025. The meeting comes amid heightened security concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s recent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure across the Line of Control.
Top Army commanders, including Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, briefed Singh on critical aspects such as border security, counter-terrorism operations, and multi-layered security arrangements for the 38-day pilgrimage. The Amarnath Yatra, a significant religious event drawing lakhs of devotees, will traverse the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, both of which have been declared ‘no-flying zones’ from July 1 to August 10, 2025, to enhance safety.
Manoj Singh emphasised the need for seamless coordination among the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure an incident-free Yatra. The Army has been tasked with sanitizing forested areas along both routes and securing the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key transit corridor for pilgrims. Enhanced measures, including drone surveillance and RFID tracking, have been deployed following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
The Defence Minister also praised the armed forces’ professionalism and reiterated the government’s unwavering support for their efforts to secure the Union Territory. During his two-day visit, Singh led International Day of Yoga celebrations with troops, highlighting yoga’s role in enhancing soldiers’ mental and physical resilience, as demonstrated in the precision of Operation Sindoor.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in collaboration with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), has bolstered logistical support, including medical facilities, emergency communication networks, and real-time weather alerts, to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. With 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed and security sealed weeks in advance, authorities are taking no chances to safeguard devotees amidst heightened terror threats.
