Enhanced air defence system, increase in troop deployment: Measures in place for Amarnath Yatra after Pahalgam attack

July 9, 2025 | Jammu & Kashmir

In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed nine lives and left several injured, the security architecture for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra has undergone a significant overhaul. Authorities have implemented a multi-layered, technology-driven security protocol, including enhanced air defence systems, intensified troop deployments, and real-time surveillance strategies to ensure the safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

Security Beefed Up Post Pahalgam Ambush

On July 6, a tourist bus en route from Pahalgam was ambushed in a suspected militant attack, leading to heightened national security concerns. The attack, which involved indiscriminate firing and a subsequent bus plunge into a gorge, has drawn sharp criticism and prompted swift retaliation from security agencies.

Responding decisively, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army, has ramped up the deployment of paramilitary and Special Forces across key routes of the Yatra, including Baltal and Pahalgam. Aerial surveillance has also been intensified along mountainous terrain and densely forested areas.

Air Defence and Drone Surveillance: Game Changers in Yatra Security

For the first time, the Indian Army has deployed a low-altitude air defence system in tandem with drone surveillance to neutralize any airborne threats along the Yatra route.

"Given the evolving nature of threats in the region, air defence integration with ground troops is essential," said Lt. Gen. Sandeep Malhotra (Retd), a defence expert. "The hybrid warfare tactics of insurgents necessitate aerial surveillance, particularly during high-profile events like the Amarnath Yatra."

The enhanced air defence grid includes anti-drone guns, radar systems, and surveillance UAVs equipped with night-vision capabilities. Sources confirm that over 30 drones are currently monitoring key pilgrimage corridors.

Troop Surge and Intelligence Integration

More than 60,000 personnel from CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and J&K Police are now on active Yatra duty, up from 45,000 last year. Additionally, road-opening parties (ROPs) and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) are stationed at vulnerable locations, while snipers and bomb disposal units have been deployed near the cave shrine and along the twin Yatra routes.

Intelligence coordination has also been enhanced. A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “We have integrated real-time intel sharing between Army, IB, and JKP units to neutralize threats before they materialize. Monitoring of internet activity and telecom signals has also been tightened.”

Tech-Driven Pilgrim Monitoring and RFID Use

To safeguard the approximately 4.5 lakh pilgrims expected to participate this year, the administration has introduced RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags for tracking individual pilgrim movement. Control rooms have been established in Srinagar, Jammu, and Anantnag to monitor this data 24/7.

Speaking to the media, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Pilgrim safety is our top priority. We are leveraging technology and manpower in equal measure to maintain peace and protect the sanctity of this spiritual journey.”

Tourism Impact and Local Sentiment

While the immediate fallout of the Pahalgam attack has caused a temporary dip in tourist arrivals, local stakeholders remain hopeful that reinforced security will restore confidence.

“Tourism in Kashmir is resilient. Though bookings were briefly impacted, the renewed measures are already reassuring potential visitors,” said Aamir Hussain, president of the Pahalgam Hotel Owners Association.

The state tourism department has launched a digital campaign to assure visitors of enhanced safety and has also urged people not to panic.

Market Context: Infrastructure, Defence, and Hospitality Stocks React

The security developments have had ripple effects across the stock market. Shares of defence equipment manufacturers such as Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Data Patterns surged by 2-3% intraday following news of drone procurement and radar deployment.

Meanwhile, hospitality and tourism-related stocks in J&K witnessed slight volatility. Analysts believe the long-term outlook remains positive.

“The government’s swift action will likely contain the negative sentiment,” said Ruchi Arora, Senior Equity Analyst at ICICI Securities. “Defence and surveillance-related sectors could see improved investor interest in Q2 and Q3 FY26, especially with the increased emphasis on internal security.”

Outlook: A Tense But Controlled Yatra Season

Despite the looming threat, authorities remain confident that the Yatra will proceed smoothly. Over 100 additional CCTV cameras have been installed, and mobile emergency units are stationed every 5 km on the route.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to review the ground situation later this week, while NSA Ajit Doval has reportedly been closely monitoring intel flows from the region.

For now, the 52-day annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine continues with a strict security blanket, a testament to the state’s commitment to religious harmony, public safety, and resilience against extremism.