Udhampur, June 21, 2025 — As part of a strategic preparedness review in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was on Saturday briefed by top Army officials at the Udhampur-based Northern Command headquarters on border security, counter-terrorism efforts, and comprehensive arrangements for the pilgrimage.

Mr. Singh’s visit comes at a time when the security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir is being closely monitored in light of recent militancy incidents and increased infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC).

🪖 Security Review Led by Top Military Brass

During his visit, the Defence Minister was given a detailed operational briefing by:

• Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi

• Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma

• Commanding Officers of all key forward units

The high-level meeting focused on:

• Current threat perceptions along the LoC and international border

• Ongoing anti-terrorist operations in forested areas of J&K

• Security coverage for the upcoming 38-day Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3, 2025

According to officials, robust multi-layered security arrangements are being implemented to safeguard the pilgrimage routes and ensure zero disruptions from militant threats.

🚶‍♂️ Amarnath Yatra 2025: Massive Security Deployment

The Amarnath pilgrimage, one of India’s most spiritually significant yatras, traverses two main routes:

• The traditional 48-km route from Pahalgam in Anantnag district

• The 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district

Both routes pass through high-altitude forested and snow-bound terrain, requiring intensive area sanitisation, surveillance, and patrolling by security forces.

“The Army plays a key role in securing forest belts, higher ridgelines and access trails. Special teams will continue combing operations throughout the pilgrimage window,” a senior defence official said.

Coordination with CRPF, J&K Police, and ITBP is also being fine-tuned to maintain seamless zone-wise security integration — particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which sees a massive influx of yatris, support staff, and vehicles.

🧘 Yoga with Soldiers: A Symbolic Morning Message

Before diving into the day’s security briefings, Rajnath Singh participated in International Day of Yoga celebrations alongside 2,500 soldiers from various Army units stationed at Udhampur.

Performing various yoga asanas and pranayama exercises, Mr. Singh praised the discipline and resilience of the Armed Forces, highlighting Yoga’s role in building mental fortitude and emotional balance, especially in hostile operational environments.

“Yoga is India’s gift to the world — and no one embodies its spirit more than our soldiers, who guard our borders in the harshest of terrains,” he said during his address.

🔎 J&K Security Outlook: Key Concerns Discussed

The strategic briefing by Northern Command touched upon several current and emerging security challenges:

• Recent infiltration attempts along the LoC, especially in Kupwara and Rajouri sectors

• Militant activity resurgence in southern Kashmir

• Drone sightings and aerial threat preparedness

• Enhanced human intelligence and SIGINT deployment in vulnerable belts

• The necessity of rapid response teams and mobile camps for yatri protection

The defence establishment is reportedly confident of managing any potential threat using an integrated, tech-enabled response involving drone surveillance, satellite communication, and rapid troop mobility.

🛡️ Multi-Agency Coordination: A Hallmark of Yatra Security

The Army’s role is crucial, but equally important is inter-agency cooperation between paramilitary forces, central intelligence, and civil administration. The 2025 Yatra is expected to see over 7 lakh pilgrims, with enhanced arrangements such as:

• RFID tracking of all registered yatris

• Drone-based surveillance of high-risk patches

• AI-enabled facial recognition systems at camps

• Satellite phone networks for route coordinators and medical staff

These measures, along with bunkerized shelters and ambulance units, are designed to mitigate both natural and man-made threats.

🧾 Rajnath Singh’s 2-Day J&K Visit: Agenda Beyond the Yatra

Apart from security discussions and Yoga celebrations, Mr. Singh is scheduled to:

• Interact with troops stationed in forward areas

• Review border infrastructure projects, especially under the Vibrant Villages Programme

• Meet with families of martyrs and veterans in Jammu

The visit underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness in the region, while also addressing logistics, welfare, and morale of defence personnel.

🗣️ Voices from the Ground: Local Sentiment on Yatra Security

In Anantnag, local residents and shopkeepers — many of whom rely on the pilgrimage season for income — welcomed the renewed focus on yatra protection.

Shabir Ahmed, a pony operator at Chandanwari base camp, said:

“The last few years have been peaceful, but every year there is a fear. If the Army and police keep it safe, our families can also earn for the whole year.”

Meenakshi Verma, a schoolteacher accompanying her elderly parents for the pilgrimage, said:

“It’s reassuring to know that Defence Minister himself is involved. We trust the Indian Army completely.”

🔚 Conclusion: Army Gears Up for a Safe and Sacred Yatra

As Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve politically and strategically, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s review of border security and pilgrimage arrangements comes as a powerful reaffirmation of the Centre’s commitment to internal security and religious freedom.

The Indian Army, bolstered by intelligence agencies and paramilitary units, appears ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, even amidst cross-border tensions and asymmetric threats.

With millions of devotees placing faith in both divine blessing and military protection, this year's Yatra is not just a test of faith, but a showcase of national resolve.

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