Amarnath Yatra 2025: Countdown Begins With Security Drills, Last-Minute Inspections

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Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 16:10 IST

Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

Amarnath Yatra 2025: With just days to go before the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, final preparations are being reviewed across various levels of administration and security in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tight security is in place for the annual pilgrimage, which is taking place after two months of the Pahalgam attack when terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people.

The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district — on July 3.

The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2.

Drones, Bomb Squads, CRPF Cover: Multi-Layer Security Across J-K For Upcoming Amarnath Yatra

Security Mock Drills On Amarnath Yatra Route

Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, as part of final preparations ahead of the annual Yatra. The drill involved personnel from the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF)

Buses were sent under full security cover during the drill to test the readiness and coordination of various security units. The exercise simulated emergency scenarios such as landslides and other natural disasters, with a focus on prompt response, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims. The simulation involved rescuing trapped vehicles, providing immediate first aid to the injured, and coordinating swift relief through integrated efforts by disaster response and security teams.

A facial recognition system (FRS) has also been installed along the Pahalgam route of the Amarnath Yatra to deter any potential terror attacks against pilgrims. The system has a feature that alerts security forces in real-time in case any blacklisted person comes into the field of view of the surveillance cameras, news agency ANI reported.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired two high-level meetings—one with political leaders and another with civil society representatives—to assess the state of preparedness for the yatra.

The LG also reviewed the progress of Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, and also inspected healthcare facilities and inaugurated a training ward for medical staff at Base Camp Hospital.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his wishes for a smooth and successful yatra, saying, “We sincerely hope and pray for the successful conduct of the yatra, with a good turnout of pilgrims who come to offer their prayers and return safely." He also confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort and security of the devotees.

Comprehensive reviews were undertaken, with a strong emphasis on ensuring a “peaceful, safe and hassle-free" experience for pilgrims, the CM added.

Amarnath Yatra 2025 Routes

The yatra will proceed via the two traditional routes—Baltal and Pahalgam—with security personnel already deployed in the Pahalgam region. In Ramban, local administration and security officials conducted inspections to ensure all logistical and safety arrangements are in place.

The first batch of pilgrims has already reached Jammu, radiating devotion and excitement. As part of the registration process, token distribution began today at Saraswati Dham, with registration scheduled to start tomorrow at Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Sabha.

Jammu South SDM Manu Hansa informed that these will be the sole authorised centres for obtaining tokens. “The centre opens at 7 am, and only registered pilgrims with valid tokens will be allowed to proceed," he said.

The SDM said the per-day quota of tokens and registration is 2,000 each, and the counters will remain open till the daily quota is exhausted.

Devotees Undeterred By Security Concerns

Despite recent incidents, including a terror attack near Pahalgam, pilgrims stood firm in their resolve to undertake the sacred journey. Many expressed unwavering faith in India’s security forces and emphasised that fear would not deter them from fulfilling their spiritual aspirations.

Shakshdeep Jha, who arrived from Mumbai with a group of 15 pilgrims, shared his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here. We will carry on the Yatra through the Pahalgam route."

When asked about any apprehensions following the recent attack, he replied firmly, “We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us. Till we have our forces, we can go anywhere without any fear. People should come here in large numbers without any fear."

Another pilgrim, Deepak Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, spoke of his determination despite the rainy weather.

“Even though it’s raining here, we are very excited to be here. Right now, we will collect our tickets and proceed for the Yatra through the Pahalgam route," he said.

He added that the large turnout of pilgrims would send a message of unity and resilience, “a slap on the faces of terrorists."

Maya Kaul, another devotee, echoed similar sentiments. “We are six people here and will go through Pahalgam. We are very confident in our forces, and there is no need to be afraid of anything. I urge people to come in large numbers to the Amarnath Yatra."

Among those standing in long queues amid the heavy rain was a group of 120 people from Bihar.

A devotee from Darbhanga said, “We are so excited to be here. We cannot express our joy. All the arrangements are very nice. We have all our belief in the Indian Army, and we are confident that they will ensure this Yatra goes smoothly."

Kajal Wangmare from Maharashtra said she had been standing in line since 3 a.m. “It’s raining; however, we are just happy to be here. We know that we will have a very good pilgrimage and will take along happy memories with us," she told IANS.

Vikramjeet from Delhi also shared his thoughts, saying, “We are very excited. I also want to give a message to the people that there is no need to be afraid. The arrangements here are very nice, and we are not facing any problems. We believe in our Army, and we are not afraid of anything."

(With inputs from agencies)

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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Srinagar, India, India

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