Srinagar (Desk) | July 10, 2025 : The annual Amarnath Yatra is witnessing a massive surge in pilgrims this year, with thousands making the journey to the sacred Himalayan cave shrine. However, security officials have raised concerns as a significant number of devotees are reportedly travelling outside the officially protected convoys, despite heightened threats in the region.

This year’s yatra, which began on June 29, is marked by the largest-ever troop deployment along the route. The extensive security cover follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which militants targeted a tourist bus, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. In response, authorities have stepped up protection measures for the pilgrimage, deploying tens of thousands of troops from the Army, paramilitary forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Despite these precautions, officials say that a growing number of yatris are opting to travel on their own, either for convenience or due to lack of awareness about the risks. These independent pilgrims often bypass the daily security convoys arranged for safe passage along the two main routes — the Pahalgam and Baltal tracks — and may miss out on the GPS tracking and medical support provided through the official system.

Security forces have appealed to pilgrims to stick to regulated timings and routes. “Travelling without security cover puts lives at risk, especially in sensitive zones,” an officer involved in the yatra arrangements told local reporters. He added that while the number of registered pilgrims has crossed 3 lakh in the first 12 days, nearly one-third of them are believed to be travelling outside the security umbrella.

Authorities have set up multiple checkpoints, base camps, and emergency medical centers along the route, and are using drones and satellite surveillance to monitor the region. However, managing such a large number of people over rough terrain and volatile areas remains a major challenge.

On July 8, a group of pilgrims travelling in a private vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint near Anantnag for not being part of the registered convoy. Officials say such instances are becoming increasingly common and could pose serious risks if not controlled.

Religious leaders and shrine board officials have also urged devotees to follow guidelines strictly and avoid shortcuts or unauthorized paths. Weather conditions in the region are unpredictable, and the terrain is treacherous even in normal times. Combining these factors with possible militant threats makes security compliance crucial.

The Amarnath cave, located at an altitude of around 12,700 feet, is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims undertake a difficult trek to reach the shrine, where a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam is worshipped.

The yatra will continue until August 19. In the meantime, the government is working to raise awareness among pilgrims about the importance of travelling within the protected framework. As the rush grows with each passing day, officials hope caution and cooperation will help ensure a safe pilgrimage for all.