The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned the deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), amounting to nearly 42,000 personnel, to provide security for this year&rsquo;s Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, according to media reports.
Out of the total deployment, 425 companies are to be dispatched to the Union Territory by 10 June, while 156 companies already stationed in Jammu and Kashmir will be redirected to support the pilgrimage. These existing units include 91 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 30 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), 15 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 13 from the Border Security Force (BSF), and 7 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).&nbsp;
Each company typically consists of 75 to 80 personnel.
The incoming contingent comprises 130 companies of BSF, 128 of CRPF&mdash;including five women&rsquo;s units&mdash;67 of SSB, 55 of ITBP, and 45 of CISF. Around 80 companies previously deployed to the Union Territory under Operation Sindoor will also be reassigned for yatra duties. These units will be tasked with securing the pilgrimage route, safeguarding devotees, and maintaining law and order in key regions such as Srinagar.
"The Union home ministry has decided to deploy about 580 CAPF companies for the Amarnath Yatra this time. This includes about 150&ndash;160 units already present in the UT," said a senior official. The personnel will be drawn from five forces: CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, with each company having an operational strength ranging between 70 and 75 members.
Security planning for the annual pilgrimage, which begins on July 3 and concludes on August 9, has taken into account the security challenges posed by recent incidents, including the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, the majority of whom were tourists.
The deployed forces will be responsible for securing both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, ensuring the safety of the cave shrine, managing pilgrim convoys, and maintaining a constant presence in sensitive zones.
Instructions have been issued by the home ministry for all units to mobilise without delay and be in position across Jammu and Kashmir by the second week of June. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to review the security preparations during a scheduled visit to Jammu on Thursday.
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(With inputs from agencies)
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Over 42,000 paramilitary personnel to secure routes, shrine, and convoys for Amarnath Yatra starting July 3.

Massive CAPF Deployment Cleared for Amarnath Yatra

Over 42,000 paramilitary personnel to secure routes, shrine, and convoys for Amarnath Yatra starting July 3.

May 29, 2025 | 18:13 IST