Has the Centre Approved Security Deployment for Amarnath Yatra?

Synopsis
The Ministry of Home Affairs has greenlit the deployment of 581 CAPF companies to ensure security for the Amarnath Yatra 2025, starting July 3. This extensive force aims to protect pilgrims during the significant event, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima. Will this enhance safety for attendees?
Key Takeaways
- The MHA has approved the deployment of 581 CAPF companies for security during the Amarnath Yatra.
- The yatra will occur from July 3 to August 9, coinciding with important festivals.
- The deployment includes both existing and additional forces to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
- The Amarnath cave shrine is significant to devotees, located at a high altitude in the Himalayas.
- Security measures reflect the government's commitment to maintaining peace and order.
Srinagar, May 29 (NationPress) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned the deployment of 581 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Jammu and Kashmir to ensure comprehensive security for the Amarnath Yatra 2025, which is set to commence on July 3.
Official sources reported on Thursday that the MHA's approval aims to safeguard the pilgrims during this significant event.
This decision precedes Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to the union territory.
The ministry has permitted the J&K administration and police to deploy an additional 156 CAPF companies already present in the region.
“These include 91 CRPF, 30 SSB, 15 CISF, 13 BSF, and 7 ITBP units, each consisting of approximately 75 to 80 personnel.
The MHA is set to send an extra 425 companies by June 10, comprising 130 BSF, 128 CRPF (including five women’s units), 67 SSB, 55 ITBP, and 45 CISF companies. These forces will remain on duty until the yatra concludes on August 9, after which they will be decommissioned.
A communication regarding this deployment was sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of J&K on May 23. The MHA responded to an official request from the J&K government dated May 20, seeking additional forces to ensure a secure and peaceful pilgrimage season,” sources indicated.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra will run from July 3 to August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima.
The Amarnath cave shrine is located at an altitude of 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. This cave shrine features an ice stalagmite that changes size with the lunar phases.
Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite symbolizes the mythic abilities of Lord Shiva. They access the shrine either via the traditional, longer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district.