Operation Shiva: Inside the massive security shield for Amarnath Yatra
With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to begin on July 3, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have rolled out "Operation Shiva", a massive multi-layered
With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to begin on July 3, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have rolled out "Operation Shiva", a massive multi-layered security plan being described as the most comprehensive security arrangement ever for the pilgrimage. The 57-day yatra will continue until August 28. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the arduous journey through mountainous terrain to reach the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani. Ensuring their safety remains the highest priority for the government and security agencies. Read Full Story Under the plan, sources said, an extensive security network has been established across highways, mountains, forests, base camps, railway stations, airspace and even water bodies. India Today TV's Jitendra Bahadur Singh travelled along the pilgrimage route to prepare an exclusive ground report on the elaborate security measures, many of which are rarely seen by the public. A MULTI-LAYERED SECURITY MODEL The objective this year is not only to prevent terrorist attacks but also to instill confidence among pilgrims that their journey will remain safe and secure. The Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF and other central armed police forces are jointly managing security arrangements. Personnel have been deployed at all vulnerable points from Jammu to the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, with regular patrols, checkpoints and surveillance operations underway.
VALLEY QAT COMMANDOS ON NH-44 India Today TV observed members of the Valley Quick Action Team (QAT) deployed along Highway-44, the key route used by Amarnath pilgrims. These highly trained commandos are equipped with advanced weapons and are prepared to respond rapidly to any terror threat. Security officials said they could swing into action within minutes of receiving intelligence about suspicious activity. In an exclusive interaction, Valley QAT in-charge Chitesh Kumar said all units are fully prepared to tackle any terror threat or security challenge during the pilgrimage. He said rapid response capabilities, advanced weaponry, improved coordination and technology-driven surveillance form the backbone of this year's security strategy. TIGHT SECURITY ON BALTAL, PAHALGAM ROUTES The Baltal and Pahalgam routes, the two main pilgrimage tracks to the shrine, are under heightened surveillance this year. Security personnel are conducting continuous patrols across mountains, forests, valleys and other vulnerable areas. Special observation posts have been established along the routes to detect and neutralise threats at an early stage. DRONE SURVEILLANCE FROM SKIES Modern technology is playing a major role in this year's security arrangements. Advanced drones have been deployed at multiple locations and are conducting round-the-clock aerial surveillance over mountainous regions, dense forests and remote terrain. Any suspicious movement is relayed immediately to control rooms for prompt action.
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