J&K Introduces QR IDs, App to Secure Amarnath Yatra

• J&K Police introduced QR-code identity cards and the Pehchaan app for service providers.
• The system aims to prevent terrorists from posing as pony owners, porters or vendors.
• A multi-layered security grid with 670 CAPF companies has been deployed for the yatra.
• No-fly zones, drone surveillance and traffic restrictions will remain in force throughout the pilgrimage.

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 25th June: Jammu and Kashmir Police has introduced QR-code-based, tamper-proof identity cards and a dedicated mobile application to strengthen security for the annual Amarnath Yatra and prevent terrorists from posing as authorised service providers.

The new digital verification system has been introduced ahead of the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on July 3, as part of an extensive multi-layered security plan.

According to police officials, every authorised pony owner, palanquin bearer, porter, guide, transport operator and vendor associated with the yatra will carry a QR-enabled identity card.

“Scanning the card instantly displays the complete antecedents of the service provider,” a senior police officer said, adding that the system is designed to prevent terrorists or anti-social elements from masquerading as locals to infiltrate the pilgrimage.

Police have also launched the Pehchaan mobile application, enabling pilgrims and security personnel to verify the credentials of registered service providers in real time.

The app creates a digital database of authorised personnel, allowing police to monitor individuals operating along the pilgrimage routes, identify unverified persons and curb impersonation or fraudulent activities.

Security arrangements for this year’s yatra have been significantly strengthened following last year’s terror attack on tourists in the Baisaran area of Kashmir.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat has directed enhanced intelligence sharing and close coordination among all security agencies to ensure a safe pilgrimage.

As part of preparedness, the National Security Guard (NSG) and other security agencies recently conducted a high-intensity mock drill at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, simulating a terrorist attack and hostage situation.

The exercise tested response time, rescue operations, area sanitisation and inter-agency coordination ahead of the yatra.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, including personnel from the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB, working alongside the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

A comprehensive security grid has been established from Lakhanpur to the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.

The arrangements include CCTV surveillance, RFID tagging of pilgrims and vehicles, drone monitoring, high-rise watch towers and observation posts along the pilgrimage route.

The government has also declared the entire Amarnath Yatra corridor a no-fly zone, covering both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrims will remain suspended for the second consecutive year.

Authorities have issued a traffic advisory imposing restrictions on civilian movement along parts of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway during the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims have been advised to follow designated travel routes and timings, while officials said the enhanced security measures are aimed at ensuring a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra.