Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu on Thursday evening for a crucial two-day visit focused on security and regional welfare. This visit, his first since Operation Sindoor and second after the Pahalgam terror attack, underscores the central government's commitment to reinforcing security measures in the region, particularly ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9.
Upon arrival, Shah was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and immediately proceeded to Raj Bhawan, where he is expected to chair a high-level security review meeting. This meeting will include top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as heads of various security agencies, including the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and J&K Police. Discussions will center on the overall security situation, ongoing anti-terrorist operations, and specific security and administrative arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra.
A significant aspect of the security preparations involves the massive deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The Centre has approved approximately 581 companies, totaling around 42,000 personnel, to safeguard the Yatra routes, pilgrims, base camps, and other sensitive areas, including Srinagar. Of these, 424 companies will be newly deployed, while about 80 units previously stationed during Operation Sindoor will be reassigned to Yatra security duties. Security forces are under directive to occupy their designated positions by mid-June, with advanced surveillance systems being installed along borders and other sensitive points. The BSF has confirmed the rapid deployment of new, powerful sensors designed to detect cross-border movements and prevent infiltration.
In addition to the security review, Shah's itinerary includes a visit to Poonch on Friday to meet with families affected by recent Pakistani shelling. This visit aims to provide reassurance and assess the extent of the damage caused by the shelling, during the military standoff earlier this month. He is also expected to visit damaged religious sites, including the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, and hold meetings with officers to evaluate the damage in the district. Furthermore, Shah will interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at their camp in Poonch, addressing both the soldiers and civilians affected by the shelling.
The Home Minister's visit follows a series of security assessments and reviews conducted by various agencies. CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh recently conducted an aerial survey of the Yatra route and held a comprehensive review of security arrangements in Kashmir. BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary is also expected to review border security in Srinagar in the coming days.
The upcoming Amarnath Yatra is expected to draw a large number of pilgrims, and security measures are being heightened to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage. Last year saw nearly 512,000 pilgrims visit the Amarnath shrine, marking the highest number in at least 12 years. With the increased security deployments, advanced surveillance technology, and coordinated efforts of various security agencies, authorities are aiming to create a secure environment for this year's Yatra.
