Qazigund, March 29, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster security along one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most vital transportation corridors, Kulgam Police have installed cutting-edge surveillance technology on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Qazigund in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The deployment, centred at the strategic Navyug Tunnel, includes advanced systems such as wall radar and thermal screening, aimed at curbing smuggling, militancy-related activities, and other threats in the region.
The newly installed surveillance setup is designed to detect hidden contraband—such as drugs, weapons, and illegal materials—concealed within vehicles traversing the highway. This initiative comes amid heightened security concerns in South Kashmir, where the National Highway serves as a critical lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. A senior police official from Kulgam stated, “The deployment of wall radar and thermal imaging technology marks a new chapter in our surveillance strategy. It enhances our ability to monitor suspicious activity and detect threats in real-time, acting as a force multiplier in our mission to secure the region.”
The Navyug Tunnel, a key segment of the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), has long been a focal point for security operations due to its strategic importance and vulnerability to illicit activities. The advanced systems are expected to provide round-the-clock monitoring, enabling security forces to respond swiftly to potential risks. This move builds on earlier efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who introduced an AI-based facial recognition system at the same location in May 2024, further strengthening the region’s security framework.
The initiative has been widely praised as a proactive step to address the evolving challenges of cross-border smuggling and terrorism. The highway, which facilitates the movement of goods, civilians, and security personnel, has historically been a target for militant activities, making such technological upgrades essential. “This is about ensuring the safety of our people and maintaining peace along this critical route,” the official added, emphasizing the technology’s role in thwarting anti-national elements.
Local residents and commuters have expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the enhanced security measures, others have raised concerns about potential delays and privacy implications. However, police authorities have assured that the systems are designed to minimize disruptions while maximizing safety, with a focus on targeting criminal activities rather than routine travel.
The installation aligns with broader efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to modernise law enforcement capabilities. Recent budgetary allocations, including Rs 799 crore for police welfare and infrastructure in 2023, have paved the way for such advancements, with plans to expand CCTV coverage and command-and-control systems across public spaces in the Union Territory.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate complex security dynamics, the deployment of advanced surveillance technology at Qazigund represents a forward-looking approach to safeguarding one of India’s most sensitive regions. With operations ongoing to ensure the highway remains secure, this upgrade stands as a testament to the evolving role of technology in maintaining peace and stability.