Srinagar, July 14, 2025 – The Srinagar Sector of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding pilgrims during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, with a robust deployment along the Baltal axis. This 38-day sacred pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, attracts thousands of devotees to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, situated at 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas. The CRPF’s unwavering commitment ensures a secure and seamless journey for pilgrims traversing the challenging 14-kilometer Baltal route, known for its steep and strenuous terrain.Under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sudhir Kumar, the nodal officer for the CRPF’s Amarnath Yatra operations, the force has implemented a multi-layered security grid in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). “The Amarnath Yatra is not just a duty but a matter of national service and public faith,” said DIG Kumar, emphasising the CRPF’s dedication to ensuring pilgrim safety with minimal inconvenience. Enhanced surveillance tools, real-time monitoring, and an upgraded intelligence network have been deployed to address the region’s evolving security challenges, particularly following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
The CRPF’s “May I Help You” initiative, featuring women personnel, has been a standout feature along the Baltal axis. This empowered team provides medical assistance, guidance, and support, fostering confidence among devotees, particularly women and differently-abled pilgrims. The force’s Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) has also been lauded for its swift response, saving lives during emergencies on the treacherous high-altitude route.On July 13, the CRPF Srinagar Sector reiterated its resolve on social media, stating, “Guarding every step of the sacred journey with resolve and reverence. Ensuring safety, security, and smooth passage for every pilgrim.” The force’s efforts extend beyond security, contributing to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism economy by ensuring a peaceful pilgrimage.The Baltal route, starting from Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, is a shorter but more demanding path to the Amarnath Cave, where devotees seek darshan of the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam. With no helicopter services available this year due to a “No Flying Zone” declaration from July 1 to August 10, pilgrims rely on foot travel, ponies, or palkis, making the CRPF’s role in securing the route even more critical.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), praised the CRPF and other security agencies for their seamless coordination. He highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including widened tracks, enhanced accommodation at Baltal’s Yatri Niwas (800 pilgrims), and improved medical facilities along the route, which complement the CRPF’s security measures.
As of July 6, over 90,000 pilgrims had completed their darshan, with 21,512 devotees visiting the cave on a single day, underscoring the Yatra’s growing popularity. The CRPF’s presence, bolstered by joint mock drills with the Army, J&K Police, and State Disaster Response Force, ensures preparedness for any contingency, from landslides to medical emergencies.
The Srinagar Sector CRPF’s dedication reflects a blend of duty and devotion, ensuring that every pilgrim’s journey to the holy cave is safe, secure, and spiritually fulfilling.
