Srinagar

With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to commence on July 3, Kashmir’s top police officer, V.K. Birdi, on Friday directed security personnel to remain vigilant, fully prepared and operationally ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Birdi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir, chaired a briefing for zonal and sector officers to assess security coordination and preparedness along the pilgrimage routes, according to a police spokesperson.

The meeting was attended by senior officers, including the Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Central Kashmir, South Kashmir and Armed Kashmir, along with senior police officials overseeing yatra arrangements.

The 57-day pilgrimage, one of the country’s most significant religious events, is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

During the review, the IGP stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism, vigilance and public service to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. He instructed officers to remain prepared to tackle any security or logistical challenges and ensure effective implementation of the established security framework.

Birdi directed zonal officers to regularly brief sector officers and personnel deployed along the routes so that every member of the force remains aware of assigned responsibilities and evolving security conditions. He emphasised the need for constant supervision and uninterrupted communication across all levels of deployment.

The police chief also called for close coordination with other security and intelligence agencies involved in the yatra, highlighting the importance of information-sharing and coordinated responses to any emerging situation.

Alongside security concerns, Birdi underscored the need for a pilgrim-friendly approach. He instructed officers to provide all possible assistance to devotees and ensure their safety, comfort and well-being throughout the journey.

Reiterating the importance of discipline and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the IGP urged personnel to remain alert at all times and uphold the force’s reputation through exemplary conduct.

The meeting concluded with a review of contingency plans, coordination mechanisms and emergency response measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage season.

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This year’s Amarnath Yatra will operate through two routes: the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Both routes are expected to witness heavy pilgrim movement during the nearly two-month-long pilgrimage.