Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, security agencies have conducted extensive rehearsals to counter new-age threats, including drone intrusions, attacks on crowded facilities, hostage situations, and mass-casualty emergencies. Natural disaster scenarios are also part of the preparedness drills, according to officials familiar with the exercise.
Focus on Drone Threats and Crowded Facilities
The rehearsals, which took place in the first half of June 2026, involved multiple agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and disaster response teams. A senior security official stated that the drills were designed to simulate real-time threats, with particular emphasis on drone intrusions, which have emerged as a significant risk in recent years. The official noted that the agencies are now equipped with anti-drone technology and have practiced intercepting unauthorized drones in the yatra area.
Another key focus was attacks on crowded facilities, such as the base camps and the shrine itself. Teams practiced rapid evacuation and neutralization of attackers in confined spaces. The official added that the drills included scenarios where multiple attackers target pilgrim queues or dining areas, requiring coordinated response from security personnel.
Hostage and Mass-Casualty Drills
Hostage situations were also rehearsed, with mock exercises involving the rescue of pilgrims held by simulated militants. The agencies used specialized units trained in close-quarters combat and negotiation. In one drill, a team successfully rescued a group of hostages from a building near the yatra route, as per the official.
Mass-casualty emergencies, including bomb blasts and chemical attacks, were practiced with the involvement of medical teams. The drills simulated a scenario where a blast causes multiple injuries, and responders had to triage and transport victims to field hospitals. The official emphasized that the focus was on minimizing response time and ensuring seamless coordination between security and medical units.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Given the mountainous terrain, natural disasters like landslides and avalanches are also a concern. The rehearsals included scenarios of a landslide blocking the yatra route, with teams using heavy machinery to clear debris and rescue stranded pilgrims. The official said that weather monitoring systems have been integrated into the response plan, allowing for early warnings and rerouting if necessary.
The Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin in July 2026, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. The security agencies have been preparing for months, with the recent rehearsals being part of a larger exercise to ensure a safe pilgrimage. The official concluded that the drills have helped identify gaps in the current response plan, and adjustments are being made to address them before the yatra begins.
