Srinagar, Jun 10: To ensure a safe and incident-free AmarnathYatra 2026, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), G P Singh is on a three-day tour of Kashmir on Wednesday.
The visit underscores the central paramilitary force’s pivotal role in the multi-layered security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, spanning 57 days.
On the first day of his tour, Singh chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar with senior officials and unit commanders of the CRPF.
The meeting focused sharply on enhancing security grids across the region to maintain peace and normalcy, creating a secure environment for lakhs of devotees expected to undertake the arduous journey to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, situated at an altitude of approximately 3888 meters in the Himalayas.
Senior commanders were directed to scale up counter-terror operations, particularly on the higher ridges flanking the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal routes, while enforcing strict, round-the-clock vigil in the plains and vulnerable areas.
This dual approach aims to neutralize potential threats from militants and ensure seamless movement of pilgrims along the yatra routes.
As part of his extensive itinerary, Singh visited the 118 Battalion headquarters at Gund, where he halted for the night.
During the visit, the DG inspected the unit’s infrastructure, engaged with key local stakeholders, and interacted closely with the jawans on the ground.
He received a detailed briefing on the operational activities in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and held strategic discussions with senior officials and unit commanders on planning, deployment, and overall security preparedness.
Sources said that the CRPF is deploying a significant contingent — including 128 companies, with five Mahila units - for specialised roles in crowd management, route sanitisation, convoy protection, and area domination in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, BSF, and other central forces.
The emphasis is on advanced surveillance, multi-tier checkpoints, and robust response mechanisms to address any emerging threats.
The AmarnathYatra, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, draws devotees from across the country and abroad.
In recent years, security agencies have successfully managed large-scale movements despite challenging terrain and weather conditions.
This year’s heightened focus on proactive counter-terror measures comes amid ongoing efforts to ensure the pilgrimage remains a symbol of faith, unity, and peaceful administration in J&K.
Singh’s on-ground assessment and direct engagement with troops are expected to further boost morale and fine-tune operational strategies.
The three-day tour is likely to include additional reviews of forward deployments, transit camps, and coordination with other security agencies along the yatra axis.
CRPF, as a key component of India’s internal security apparatus, continues to play a frontline role in safeguarding high-profile events like the AmarnathYatra.
