News Desk
KASHMIR: Indian security forces carried out a series of large-scale multi-agency mock drills across Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, with officials saying the exercises were intended to strengthen preparedness for emergencies during the pilgrimage.
However, the extensive security measures prompted concern among some local residents, political observers and rights advocates, who said the heightened military presence could further affect daily life in the region. According to the Kashmir Media Service (KMS), the exercises involved personnel from the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and police.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, supervised a comprehensive mock drill at the Pantha Chowk Transit Camp in Srinagar, where security agencies rehearsed responses to a range of emergency situations. The exercise included simulated militant attacks, road traffic accidents, law and order disturbances, mass evacuation procedures and medical emergencies.
Officials said the objective was to improve coordination among various agencies responsible for safeguarding pilgrims and responding swiftly to potential incidents during the annual religious event. Similar preparedness drills were also conducted at Hamray Railway Station in Baramulla district, where police and paramilitary units jointly tested emergency response mechanisms and communication systems as part of broader security arrangements. The mock exercises took place as authorities intensified security across the territory ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on 3 July. Security arrangements reportedly included the deployment of more than 400 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, surveillance drones, sniper teams and RFID-based tracking systems along the pilgrimage
