J&K L-G reviews security situation ahead of Amarnath Yatra at UHQ meeting

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired a high-level meeting of the Unified Command, here, to review the overall security scenario in the Union Territory (UT), with a special focus on the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Sources said a detailed review of the situation across the UT was carried out during the meeting, particularly in light of the evolving security dynamics following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a stepped-up counter-terror campaign aimed at flushing out militants and dismantling their support networks.

The Unified Headquarters (UHQ) is the top decision-making body on security matters in the Union Territory, bringing together the Army, paramilitary forces, police, and intelligence agencies. While it is usually chaired by the Chief Minister in a state, in Jammu and Kashmir where security is the sole prerogative of the Lieutenant Governor, he leads the UHQ.

The meeting, they said, also assessed preparedness for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on July 3. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor directed security agencies to maintain the highest level of alertness and coordination.

He stressed the need for a proactive approach to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace and called for the complete dismantling of the terror ecosystem operating in the region.

The meeting also emphasised seamless coordination among the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, sources said. Additional measures, including deployment strategies, area domination, surveillance enhancements, and protection of vulnerable points along the Yatra route, were also discussed.

The administration is expected to hold further follow-up meetings in the coming days to fine-tune operational readiness and civilian support systems ahead of the pilgrimage.