LG Manoj Sinha addresses media, shares security arrangements in place for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 26 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged all Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, including those traveling in private vehicles, to only travel with the security convoy from Jammu to the base camps. He also stated that helicopter services will not be available this year due to security and logistical reasons.
Addressing the media ahead of the pilgrimage, Sinha highlighted the extensive arrangements made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K administration, emphasizing that RFID tracking will be mandatory for every pilgrim to facilitate real-time monitoring.
“High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed at all major points along the route. A three-tier security arrangement has been established at all base camps and throughout the pilgrimage route,” Sinha stated.
He noted that the number of security personnel has been increased and mock drills have already been conducted to prepare for the Yatra.
From a security perspective during the Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have collaboratively established a robust security arrangement from the start of the pilgrimage to the return from the cave.
Additionally, health infrastructure has been significantly enhanced this year, with 100-bed hospitals set up at each base camp, along with extra emergency medical teams on standby.
On the environmental front, the Rural Development Department, he said, is continuing its efforts to maintain a clean and green Yatra corridor. “Since last year, we have successfully ensured a zero-waste Yatra—a trend we aim to strengthen this year as well,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
The LG acknowledged a dip in registration following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that tragically claimed 26 lives. “Registration dropped by about 10%, but the numbers are now rising again. Public confidence is returning, and I am hopeful it will continue to grow,” he said. Before the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had already registered for the Yatra.
Remarkably, the 2025 Amarnath Yatra will run for 52 days, beginning from July 3 and concluding on Shravan Purnima, which falls on August 24.
Sinha made a special appeal to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those in Kashmir, who traditionally provide full support during the pilgrimage. “The local people eagerly welcome the pilgrims, and everyone is looking forward to it. I request you, my journalist friends, to send a positive message that the hospitality of the people of Kashmir is unmatched in the country,” he said.
(STC)