Udhampur, June 24, 2025 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a high-level security review meeting at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the region’s security situation and preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3, 2025. The briefing, attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, and other senior officers, emphasized border security, anti-terror operations, and robust arrangements for the 38-day pilgrimage.
Singh, on a two-day visit to J&K, was briefed on ongoing counter-terror efforts under Operation Sindoor, launched following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator. Addressing troops, he warned Pakistan that any future terror attacks would face severe consequences, stating, “Operation Sindoor is not over yet, and India is ready to act against terrorism.” The minister lauded the Army’s professionalism and reiterated the government’s full support for securing the Union Territory.
The Amarnath Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine, will follow the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal. The Army is integral to multi-tiered security arrangements, including forest combing operations, area domination patrols, and surveillance along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. These measures aim to ensure pilgrim safety amid heightened terror concerns post-Pahalgam attack.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Amarnath Yatra 2025 (July 3 – August 9) |
| Routes | Pahalgam (48 km, Anantnag), Baltal (14 km, Ganderbal) |
| Security Measures | Forest combing, area domination patrols, highway surveillance, RFID cards |
| Key Personnel | Rajnath Singh, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma |
| Operation | Operation Sindoor (ongoing counter-terror initiative) |
Singh also participated in International Yoga Day celebrations with 2,500 soldiers, emphasizing the synergy between physical wellness and operational readiness. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by LG Manoj Sinha, has mandated RFID cards for pilgrims and advised physical preparedness, including daily walks and pr system, and other agencies to ensure a seamless and secure pilgrimage.
