JAMMU, July 7, 2025 – The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, a sacred pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed exemplary service from the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) along the Baltal axis. The team’s swift and dedicated response has preserved the lives of several pilgrims, showcasing their unwavering commitment to national service and pilgrim safety.The annual 38-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, 2025, attracts thousands of devotees traversing the challenging terrains of the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Baltal axis, a shorter but steeper 14-kilometer track, poses significant risks due to its rugged landscape and high altitude. To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the CRPF has deployed approximately 30 highly trained MRT personnel along this route, ready to respond to emergencies such as medical crises, accidents, or natural disasters.
On July 7, 2025, the CRPF’s MRT demonstrated its prowess by rescuing a pony owner and a pilgrim in distress along the Baltal axis, earning praise for their rapid and effective intervention. These rescue operations highlight the team’s preparedness and dedication to safeguarding devotees, ensuring a secure and seamless pilgrimage experience.In addition to rescue efforts, the CRPF has introduced a special “May I Help You” women’s team along the Baltal route, wearing orange vests to assist female pilgrims. Stationed at critical points like the Domail entry, these teams provide first aid, drinking water, and real-time guidance, enhancing the safety and comfort of devotees. This initiative reflects the CRPF’s human-centric approach to security, combining compassion with vigilance.
The CRPF’s deployment for the Yatra is part of a broader security framework involving 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, with 219 from the CRPF alone. This robust arrangement, intensified following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, ensures multi-tier security cover across both routes. The MRTs, equipped to handle high-altitude emergencies, have been pivotal in maintaining safety amid heightened risks.
Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Kumar, the joint nodal officer for the Yatra, emphasized the CRPF’s commitment: “Our teams are tasked to render timely assistance to pilgrims while providing a strong security cover. The MRTs are always on guard, ready to react swiftly to any emergency, ensuring a safe Amarnath Yatra for all.”
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 has already seen over 70,000 pilgrims pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine, with 8,605 devotees departing on July 7 alone, including 3,486 via the Baltal route. Despite challenges like a bus collision near Chanderkote that injured 36 pilgrims due to brake failure, the CRPF’s coordinated efforts with local police and administration have kept the pilgrimage on track.
Pilgrims have expressed gratitude for the robust arrangements, including medical facilities, oxygen booths, and police assistance booths equipped with essential supplies. The CRPF’s MRT and “May I Help You” teams continue to embody the spirit of service, ensuring that devotees can focus on their spiritual journey with confidence and security.
As the Yatra progresses toward its conclusion on August 9, 2025, the CRPF’s Mountain Rescue Team remains a beacon of hope and safety, exemplifying dedication to both the nation and the pilgrims they serve.
