Amarnath Yatra: Barcode slips for pilgrims; about 40,000 troops to guard route

NEW DELHI: Security arrangements for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir have been scaled up, with authorities deciding to issue a ‘barcode’-enabled authority slip to pilgrims to keep a track of the actual number of people travelling to and from the cave shrine.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), that is tasked as the primary force to secure the pilgrimage that faces terrorist threats, will deploy an enhanced number of upgraded electromagnetic chips or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags on vehicles that will transport pilgrims and other civilians associated with the yatra.

The Centre has decided to deploy about 40,000 central paramilitary and state police personnel to secure the 46-day yatra that begins on July 1 from the twin route — traditional Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and shortest Baltal track in Ganderbal district.

It will conclude on August 15, the day Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated in the country. (AGENCIES)