Security Heightened for Amarnath Yatra

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that all routes used for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage will be designated as ‘No Flying Zones’ from July 1 to August 10, as part of increased security measures.

The pilgrimage can be undertaken via two routes: the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route.

According to a statement from the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, issued on the orders of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the flying of any aircraft, including drones, balloons, UAVs, and other aerial devices, will be prohibited during this period. Exceptions will be made for medical evacuations, disaster management, and surveillance by security agencies, with specific SOPs to be issued later.

The order emphasised that, in view of the upcoming yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, comprehensive security arrangements are in place to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage.

“All stakeholders have discussed the prevailing security scenario in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and have proposed additional logistics provisions,” the statement added.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has advised that the entire route of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra remain a ‘No Flying Zone’ from July 1 to August 10 to bolster security. This decision follows the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.