Largest-ever security cover given for Amarnath yatra; drones installed

As the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims arrived in Udhampur on Wednesday morning, heavy security had been deployed in the as part of the "biggest-ever" security blanket thrown to secure them.

Forces have deployed a huge assortment of CCTV cameras and about 500 drones, assisted by mounted Army columns, to ensure that the yatra route is not breached by terrorists and in case of a possible attack, reinforcements reach as fast as possible.

Vehicles tagged with electromagnetic chips, bike and bullet-proof SUV police convoys and scores of bullet-proof bunkers have been added.

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A posse of over 40,000 armed CRPF and state police personnel have virtually dotted the yatra routes from Jammu via Pahalgam and Baltal-- with their overwhelming presence in armoured vehicles.

Over two lakh pilgrims have registered for the annual pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas till now.

"All security arrangements have been made. We have cross-checked every contingency. We're using latest technology and vehicles, and manpower has been increased as compared to last year," A V Chauhan, Inspector General CRPF Jammu Sector, told ANI.

The security personnel have made new additional arrangements, such as RIFD (radio frequency identification) to track the vehicles and prevent them from getting lost. Bike ambulances have also been introduced for speedy first aid or medical assistance.

"There's no specific threat as such, only general safety concerns. But, we're ready for any kind of attack. On the highway, we have rendered safety from the Improvised explosive device (IED), ambush and any possible terror attack. We are regulating a lot of technology backed items in providing safety to the pilgrims," added Chauhan.

The official said "all" security forces camps in the state have been asked to stay on alert as militants may try to target them after witnessing heavy deployment of uniformed personnel along the yatra route.

On July 10 last year, at least nine Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 others were injured in an attack on a bus in Anantnag district.