Srinagar, Jun 22: In a security exercise ahead of the forthcoming Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Kulgam Police on Monday intensified combing and area domination operations across the district’s higher reaches, dense forest belts, nurseries, orchards, and other vulnerable pockets to ensure a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage.
Police said the operations were carried out in close coordination with other security agencies, including the CRPF, based on specific intelligence inputs and threat assessments aimed at neutralising any potential attempts by anti-national elements to disrupt the annual yatra.
Security personnel conducted thorough searches in remote and inaccessible terrains, forest routes, high-altitude areas, and sensitive zones. Specialised teams, supported by sniffer dogs (K9 squads), bomb disposal units, and technical surveillance teams, inspected potential hideouts and logistical corridors that could be exploited by militants.
During the operations, several Over Ground Workers (OGWs) — individuals suspected of providing logistical support such as shelter, transportation, cash, and intelligence to militant networks — were rounded up for questioning. Their activities and linkages are being thoroughly investigated as part of preventive measures.
Senior police officials described the exercise as part of a broader, multi-layered security strategy for the yatra, which is scheduled to commence on July 3, 2026, and conclude on August 28, 2026, spanning 57 days. This year’s arrangements are among the most robust in recent memory, featuring a record deployment of over one lakh security personnel, including 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Additional measures include the deployment of advanced technologies such as over 400 facial-recognition CCTV cameras, drones, night vision devices, anti-drone systems, and RFID-based tracking.
A three-tier security grid has been established across base camps, transit points, and routes, with particular focus on the Pahalgam and Baltal axes leading to the holy cave shrine.
In Kulgam, this includes intensified naka checking on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, vehicle inspections, mock drills (such as the recent one near Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund), and enhanced patrolling to secure pilgrim movement.
The officials emphasised that Kulgam Police and allied agencies remain fully committed to maintaining a robust security grid. Area domination and search operations will continue in the coming days across the district.
The Amarnath Ji Yatra draws lakhs of devotees annually to the sacred ice lingam in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Security has been further bolstered in light of past threats, with special attention to vulnerable routes, transit camps, and adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, the district administration and police have appealed to residents, commuters, and stakeholders to extend full cooperation to security forces. Citizens have been urged to immediately report any suspicious movement, activity, or unattended objects to the nearest police station to help ensure the safety of pilgrims and maintain public order.
