Amit Shah tells security forces to maintain utmost vigil during Amarnath Yatra

NEW DELHI: The Union home minister Amit Shah has assured comprehensive facilities for Amarnath pilgrims whilst instructing security forces to maintain strict vigilance for the pilgrimage's successful completion.During a high-level security review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night, Shah assessed the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra."Chaired a review meeting for the Amarnath Pilgrimage and evaluated the security arrangements and preparedness meant for the pilgrims. Instructed to maintain utmost vigilance and ensure seamless completion of the sacred journey," Shah wrote on X.The Union government and Jammu and Kashmir administration have committed to providing comprehensive facilities for the pilgrims' convenience.The Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled from July 3 to August 9.Shah's arrival on Thursday evening marked his first visit to the Union Territory following Operation Sindoor, under strict security measures.On Friday, the Home Minister's itinerary includes visiting Poonch to meet residents affected by Pakistani shelling. He will also visit religious sites and meet BSF personnel in Poonch district, where 14 of 28 civilian casualties occurred due to Pakistani shelling and drone attacks between May 7 and May 10.

Official sources confirm the Centre has authorised deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), comprising approximately 42,000 personnel for the Amarnath Yatra.Of these, 424 companies are being deployed to the Union Territory, whilst the remaining forces, including about 80 companies deployed during Operation Sindoor, will be positioned to secure the pilgrimage route, pilgrims, and other areas including Srinagar.