Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir)

An all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed at the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam to frisk and assist women pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, adding another layer to the extensive security arrangements for the pilgrimage.

The women personnel are responsible for frisking female devotees, managing queues, assisting elderly women and ensuring smooth movement at security checkpoints before pilgrims proceed towards the holy cave shrine.

Among the personnel on duty is Muskan Tyagi, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, who joined the CRPF in 2023. She is part of a team of over a dozen women personnel stationed at the Nunwan camp, one of the key base camps on the traditional Pahalgam route.

Tyagi is serving alongside Arti Singh from Uttar Pradesh, Sandhya Rani from Andhra Pradesh, Kiron from Nagaland, Somashree from West Bengal and Asha Bai Meena from Rajasthan. The diverse team reflects the CRPF's nationwide representation, with personnel drawn from different states working together to ensure the safety and convenience of women pilgrims.

Besides conducting security checks, the women personnel are also helping devotees by providing directions, facilitating orderly movement through the camp and offering assistance to senior citizens and first-time pilgrims.

Their deployment has been welcomed by women devotees, who said the presence of female security personnel makes the screening process more comfortable.

The Nunwan camp serves as the principal base camp on the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route to the holy cave shrine. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to pass through the camp during the yatra, making security management and crowd regulation crucial.

The CRPF, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army and other security agencies, has established a multi-layered security grid across both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Security measures include Road Opening Parties, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, dog squads, drone surveillance, night domination patrols and Quick Reaction Teams to ensure an incident-free pilgrimage.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3, with pilgrims travelling through the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas.

Besides, heavy multi-security arrangements have been significantly intensified at the Nunwan base camp, with security forces maintaining a strict vigil to ensure the safety of thousands of pilgrims expected to undertake the pilgrimage from July 3.

Security personnel have strengthened surveillance across the camp and its surrounding areas as part of a comprehensive security plan put in place for the yatra.

Officials said access to the camp is being closely monitored, while security personnel are conducting regular patrols, frisking, and vehicle checks.

Multiple security agencies, including Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police (CRPF) and other sister agencies, have been deployed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and respond swiftly to any security-related situation.

Surveillance equipment and checkpoints have also been installed to ensure foolproof security arrangements.

Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams and dog squads have also been deployed at the Nunwan base camp as part of the multi-layered security arrangement. They are conducting regular anti-sabotage checks, explosive detection sweeps, and area sanitisation to ensure a safe and secure environment for pilgrims ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.

The heightened security comes just days before the commencement of the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 and culminate on August 28.

Pilgrims arriving from different parts of the country will first halt at the Nunwan base camp before starting their trek towards the cave shrine through the traditional Pahalgam route.

The Nunwan camp has been equipped to accommodate a large number of pilgrims and has been provided with essential facilities, including accommodation, medical assistance, sanitation, drinking water, and food services. Authorities have also made arrangements for emergency response teams and disaster management personnel to remain on standby throughout the pilgrimage.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is one of India's most significant annual religious pilgrimages, attracting lakhs of devotees every year. The traditional Pahalgam route is preferred by many pilgrims due to its gradual ascent and scenic landscape, although it takes longer than the Baltal route.

With the 57-day pilgrimage set to commence on Friday, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage.

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Security forces remain on high alert at Nunwan and along the entire route, working in close coordination with the civil administration to provide a secure environment for devotees visiting the sacred cave shrine.