CAPF induction begins for Amarnath Yatra 2026 amid enhanced measures

Srinagar, Jun 7: The Union Government has begun the phased induction of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) into Jammu and Kashmir as part of an extensive security plan for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026, with additional companies set to be deployed to secure the annual pilgrimage.

The large-scale mobilisation, being carried out under Operation SANJY-2026, aims to establish a robust, multi-layered security grid across the Yatra routes, base camps, and other critical locations amid heightened security concerns.

Senior officials in the security establishment said that induction of paramilitary forces has already begun under Operation SANJY-2026, aimed at creating a robust and multi-layered security grid along the pilgrimage routes and associated facilities.

“Induction of CAPFs has started in a phased manner. This year, additional layers of security are being put in place keeping in view the prevailing threat environment and the need to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage,” a senior security official told Greater Kashmir.

Officials said that additional companies of CAPFs will be deployed across Jammu and Kashmir till the conclusion of the Yatra. The deployment will be carried out in phases to ensure seamless security coverage and operational readiness.

According to officials, the first phase includes the induction of 115 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Of these, 95 companies are already stationed in Jammu and Kashmir on short-term deployment, while 20 additional companies are being inducted to strengthen the security apparatus ahead of the pilgrimage.

“The requisite instructions regarding the deployment have already been conveyed to the concerned authorities, and preparations are progressing as per schedule,” an official said.

Security officials said the deployment strategy has been designed to plug all potential vulnerabilities along the pilgrimage routes.

“We have worked out a comprehensive security plan that leaves no gaps. The entire Yatra corridor, including both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, will remain under a closely monitored security umbrella,” another officer said.

The security grid will cover the traditional Pahalgam route as well as the shorter Baltal route, with special emphasis on base camps, transit camps, assembly points and vulnerable stretches along the tracks.

Officials said modern surveillance technologies, including drone monitoring and intelligence-driven operations, will form a critical component of the overall security architecture.

Further details regarding the deployment of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies are also being finalised.

The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s most significant Hindu pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees to the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir every year. Authorities expect a large turnout in 2026 and are aiming to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage with a zero-tolerance approach towards security lapses.

The 57-day Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3, 2026, and conclude on August 28, 2026, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Last year’s Yatra concluded peacefully amid an extensive security deployment and witnessed record participation by pilgrims.