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| High-tech security shield put in place for pilgrimage | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, June 30: With just 72 hours left for the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies have put in place an unprecedented technology-driven security architecture, including QR code-enabled identity cards, a dedicated Pehchaan mobile application, drone surveillance and a multi-layered security grid to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage beginning on July 3.
In a significant step aimed at preventing terrorists and anti-social elements from infiltrating the pilgrimage by masquerading as pony handlers, porters, palanquin bearers or other service providers, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has introduced tamper-proof, QR code-based identity cards for all authorised personnel associated with the Yatra.
A senior police officer said the digitally secured identity cards would enable instant verification of service providers.
"Once the QR code is scanned, the complete antecedents and verification details of the individual are displayed immediately. This will help prevent unauthorised persons from posing as local service providers and enhance security along the pilgrimage route," the officer said.
To further strengthen the verification process, the police have also launched the Pehchaan mobile application, a digital platform designed to register and monitor all service providers engaged in the pilgrimage.
The application has created a comprehensive database of pony handlers, porters, transport operators, guides, vendors and other authorised personnel. Besides enabling real-time verification by pilgrims and security personnel, the app will also assist law enforcement agencies in identifying unregistered individuals, tracking the movement of authorised workers and preventing impersonation and fraudulent activities.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine will be protected by one of the country's most comprehensive security arrangements, comprising electronic surveillance, no-fly zones, high-rise watch towers, vehicle monitoring systems and round-the-clock aerial surveillance through drones.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat has stressed seamless coordination, intelligence sharing and joint operational preparedness among all security agencies to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the pilgrimage.
As part of the preparations, security agencies have intensified mock drills and emergency response exercises across Jammu and Kashmir.
Only two days ago, the National Security Guard (NSG), in coordination with other security forces, conducted a high-intensity counter-terrorism exercise at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatra base camp in Jammu, simulating a terror attack and hostage situation.
The exercise involved a scenario in which armed terrorists stormed a building inside the camp and held pilgrims hostage. Elite commandos and other security personnel rehearsed area domination, threat neutralisation, hostage rescue and coordinated evacuation procedures.
"The objective of these exercises is to assess preparedness, test response time and validate inter-agency coordination before the commencement of the Yatra," a senior police officer said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across Jammu and Kashmir for the duration of the pilgrimage. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will work in close coordination with the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to secure the pilgrimage.
A multi-tier security grid has been established from Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, up to the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and the holy cave shrine. The security framework incorporates CCTV surveillance, RFID-based tracking of pilgrims and vehicles, electronic monitoring systems and continuous drone surveillance along both Yatra routes.
In another major security measure, the government has declared the entire Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra corridor, including both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, a no-fly zone during the pilgrimage.
Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrims will remain suspended for the second consecutive year. Security officials said the decision was taken in view of the prevailing threat perception and to facilitate uninterrupted aerial surveillance of the pilgrimage routes.
Officials said security arrangements have been further strengthened following last year's terror attack on tourists in the Baisaran area of south Kashmir, prompting authorities to enhance aerial monitoring, intelligence gathering and deployment of security personnel along the entire Yatra route.
Police have also established high-rise watch towers and observation posts at strategically sensitive locations to maintain continuous surveillance and facilitate swift response to any emergency.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police have issued a detailed advisory regulating vehicular movement during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims have been advised to adhere strictly to the designated travel schedule and routes.
According to the advisory, no civilian vehicle heading towards the Kashmir Valley will be allowed to leave Jammu after 11.30 am, while vehicles travelling towards Srinagar will not be permitted to cross the Banihal-Qazigund tunnel after 3 pm. Similar traffic restrictions have also been imposed on selected routes within the Valley to facilitate the smooth movement of Yatra convoys.
The 58-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is scheduled to commence simultaneously from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3 amid unprecedented security arrangements. |
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