Srinagar, July 3: Inspector General (IG) Border Security Force (BSF), Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav, Wednesday undertook a comprehensive review of the operational readiness of BSF troops deployed along the Pahalgam axis in south Kashmir for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

The review was conducted on Wednesday to ensure the safety and security of the thousands of pilgrims participating in the annual pilgrimage.

The 52-day Amarnath Yatra commenced on Saturday, utilising two main routes – the Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal track in Ganderbal district.

Within the first four days, over 74,000 yatris have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine, renowned for housing the naturally formed ice-lingam.

A robust security apparatus has been put in place across Kashmir to safeguard the yatris.

This includes thousands of personnel from the Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), with the Army stationed on the outer perimeters and higher reaches of the yatra routes.

These measures aim to ensure a secure environment for the devotees as they undertake the arduous journey to the shrine.

BSF officials said that IG Yadav inspected the security and surveillance grid, emphasising the importance of coordinated alertness among the Road Opening Parties (ROPs).

This coordination is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe yatra.

“IG Ashok Yadav reviewed the operational readiness of the BSF troops deployed along the Pahalgam axis for the Amarnath Yatra. The IG interacted with the troops and inspected the security and surveillance grid to ensure coordinated alertness of the ROP for a smooth and safe yatra,” read a post from BSF Kashmir on X.

The yatra, which would conclude on August 19, is expected to see a significant influx of yatris this year.

Last year, 4.5 lakh yatris visited the Amarnath cave shrine and this year the authorities are anticipating even higher numbers.

The heightened security measures reflect the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety of the yatris amid potential threats.

The meticulous planning and deployment of security forces are intended to pre-empt any untoward incidents and provide a secure environment for the devotees.