Punjab ramps up security for Amarnath Yatra with Army, BSF and CAPF on key routes

Punjab has intensified security ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, with the Punjab Police, the Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) coordinating a comprehensive security operation along key transit routes leading to Jammu and Kashmir.

The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3, while authorities expect pilgrims from Punjab and neighbouring states to start their journey from July 1. Officials said elaborate security measures have been put in place to ensure the safe passage of devotees travelling through the state.

Advertisement

According to security sources, the Centre has deployed nine companies of paramilitary personnel in Punjab to reinforce the existing security grid. The companies are being deployed at vulnerable locations, with additional forces available if required. Surveillance is also being strengthened through advanced monitoring systems, modern equipment and enhanced weapon support.

A series of coordination meetings involving senior Punjab Police officers, the Army, BSF, the civil administration and representatives of langar committees has already been held to review security, traffic management and logistical arrangements. Officials said the discussions focused on ensuring the uninterrupted movement of pilgrims while maintaining strict security along designated routes.

Authorities said most pilgrims will be accommodated in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Madhopur-Lakhanpur border. However, Pathankot has prepared contingency arrangements to provide food and shelter if adverse weather or any emergency forces devotees to halt in Punjab.

A three-layer security cover has been established at the Madhopur border entry point, where a dedicated command centre has been activated. The facility is equipped with CCTV surveillance, public amenities, drinking water facilities and help desks for pilgrims. Seven Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed to respond to any emergency.

Security has been significantly enhanced along National Highway-44, the recommended route for Amarnath pilgrims. From the Shambhu barrier in Patiala to the Madhopur border in Pathankot, police and paramilitary personnel will maintain round-the-clock surveillance through checkpoints, mobile patrols and intensified vehicle checks.

Officials said every toll plaza on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway will have additional police and paramilitary deployment from July 1. Security has also been strengthened at the Mansar and Ladpalwan toll plazas, the Mirthal checkpoint and the Chakki bridge near the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border, where security personnel will carry out detailed verification of vehicles and suspicious individuals.

On the Amritsar-Pathankot route, more than 15 high-security checkpoints are being established to monitor traffic and detect suspicious movement. The entire stretch will remain under continuous surveillance through mobile patrol units and fixed security posts.

Punjab Director General of Police (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha said security would also be intensified on all major link roads connecting Bathinda, Barnala, Khanna and Ludhiana with Pathankot to ensure no approach route remains without security cover during the pilgrimage.

Officials said the Indian Air Force will expand aerial surveillance during the Yatra period. In addition to routine monitoring, Apache helicopters are expected to conduct aerial observation over key stretches, while the Air Force will remain on standby to respond to any major emergency.

An inter-agency coordination meeting chaired by DGP (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha was recently held in Pathankot, where senior Army commanders, police officers and civil administration officials finalised the security blueprint and reviewed arrangements for pilgrims.

Referring to concerns following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Sinha said the incident was unforeseen, whereas the Amarnath Yatra is a pre-planned and closely monitored event spanning nearly two months. He said security agencies have assessed all possible threats and taken extensive preventive measures to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds without disruption.

The Punjab Police has advised pilgrims not to undertake the journey without valid registration, to strictly follow the designated route and to cooperate fully with security personnel during checking and verification. Authorities also urged devotees to comply with instructions issued by field officers, including any route diversions, saying such measures are being taken solely in the interest of public safety.

Officials said this year’s security plan involves closer coordination among agencies in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. The enhanced measures come amid heightened security concerns in the region.