New Delhi, June 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level review meeting in the national capital on Friday to assess the preparedness and security arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, one of India’s largest annual religious pilgrimages.
The meeting is expected to undertake a detailed evaluation of the security architecture, logistical planning, coordination among multiple agencies and contingency measures aimed at ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the 57-day pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Official sources said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) G.P. Singh and senior officers from intelligence, security and civil administration departments will participate in the deliberations.
The review meeting, likely to commence around 11 am, will focus on deployment plans of Central Armed Police Forces, strengthening surveillance systems, area domination strategies, anti-sabotage measures and the preparedness of emergency response units in view of the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said the Centre is keen to ensure robust security cover and seamless coordination among all stakeholder agencies so that pilgrims can undertake the sacred journey without fear or inconvenience.
Organised annually by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of the country who travel to the Holy Cave Shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas to offer prayers at the naturally formed ice lingam.
Meanwhile, authorities have imposed a “No Flying Zone” across all Yatra routes, including the traditional Pahalgam track and the Baltal axis, from July 1 until the conclusion of the pilgrimage as part of enhanced security measures.
In view of the restrictions, helicopter services for pilgrims will remain suspended during SANJY-2026. Devotees have been advised to undertake the pilgrimage on foot or avail the services of ponies and palkis to reach the Holy Cave Shrine.
Officials maintained that the government is committed to ensuring foolproof security arrangements, efficient management and coordinated efforts for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is regarded as one of the country’s most revered spiritual journeys, drawing lakhs of devotees every year to the sacred cave shrine nestled in the majestic Kashmir Himalayas. (KNC)
