Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, , on Friday chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi to assess preparedness for the annual , scheduled to take place from July 3 to August 28.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, the Union Home Secretary, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jammu & Kashmir, the Directors General of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Army, and the Union Territory Administration of Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the meeting, Shah reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of security and a seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the annual yatra. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister , every effort would be made to facilitate a safe and hassle-free journey for pilgrims.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated security measures, the Home Minister directed all agencies, including the CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, to work in close coordination to establish a robust multi-layered security grid along the pilgrimage routes. He stressed that conventional security arrangements should be reinforced through the extensive deployment of modern technologies such as drones, CCTV surveillance systems, advanced monitoring platforms and other technological tools.
Shah also instructed that senior officers of various CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police remain stationed at key camp sites throughout the yatra period to oversee arrangements and ensure prompt responses to any emerging situation.
In addition to security measures, the Home Minister reviewed preparations related to pilgrim welfare and essential services. He directed authorities to ensure adequate arrangements for registration, accommodation, healthcare facilities and disaster management systems to support the large number of devotees expected to participate in the pilgrimage.
Recognising the impact of weather conditions in the mountainous region, Shah emphasised that the movement of pilgrim batches should be regulated strictly based on prevailing weather conditions and official forecasts. He also directed authorities to maintain strong security arrangements not only along the yatra route but at other major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir to enable pilgrims to travel safely and explore the region without inconvenience.
Officials informed the meeting that all local service providers and animals engaged in yatra-related activities would be registered and issued QR code-enabled identity cards. Dedicated camps will also be organised to conduct health examinations and fitness assessments of animals deployed for carrying pilgrims and supplies along the route.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of India’s most significant religious pilgrimages, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country each year. Authorities are expecting comprehensive security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2026 pilgrimage season.
