Srinagar, June 27 (IANS) Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Central Kashmir Range (CKR), Rajiv Pande, on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements for the upcoming SANJY-2026 at the north Kashmir Baltal base camp in J&K’s Ganderbal district.

A police statement said today that, in view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, DIG Central Kashmir Range (CKR) Rajiv Pande conducted a comprehensive review of the security arrangements at the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR) at Baltal.

The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama, and other senior police and CAPF officers.

During the visit, the DIG CKR conducted a detailed assessment of the overall security preparedness, deployment arrangements, communication systems, traffic management measures, and coordination mechanisms put in place to ensure a safe, smooth, and peaceful pilgrimage.

SSP Ganderbal, along with other senior police officers, briefed the DIG CKR regarding the security architecture, advance preparations and measures being implemented on the Baltal axis for the upcoming Yatra.

The DIG CKR emphasised the need to maintain the highest standards of alertness, effective coordination among all stakeholders, and prompt response mechanisms to address emerging challenges.

He directed the officers to further strengthen area domination, surveillance, route security and facilitation measures for the pilgrims.

SANJY-2026 will start on July 3 and conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Yatris approach the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, either via the longer traditional Pahalgam base camp route or the shorter Baltal base camp route. Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal route return to the base camp after having ‘Darshan’ inside the cave shrine the same day.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises Lord Shiva’s mythical powers.

–IANS

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