Amarnath Yatra sees first Vikas Unit deployment and influx of sadhus

Security agencies have cleared the main routes for the 57‑day Amarnath Yatra, set to start on July 3, and for the first time deployed the VIKAS Battalions of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) to patrol the high ridges along the Pahalgam trail. Around 700 Central Armed Police Force companies, along with the Army and J&K Police, are providing a multi‑layered security grid that includes CCTV, drones, night‑vision gear and bomb‑disposal squads. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized an "impregnable" security network in a recent review meeting.

Ahead of the pilgrimage, numerous sadhus and spiritual seekers have gathered at the Ram Mandir in Jammu, staying there to pray, serve food and prepare for the trek. Seniors such as Amar Dass, Ganesh Puri and Brespati Giri spoke of their long‑standing devotion to the shrine and expressed confidence that the strong security arrangements will ensure a smooth pilgrimage for the lakhs of devotees expected.

The combined effort aims to protect worshippers traveling to the 3,880‑metre‑high cave shrine in the south‑Kashmir Himalayas and to uphold the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the Amarnath Yatra.