Multi-agency mock drills focus on suicide attacks, calamities ahead of Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir

New Delhi, India Jul 1, 2026 ALN: From simulating fidayeen (suicide) attacks to natural calamities, the J&K Police conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock drill at the Transit Yatri Camp in Panthachowk. This initiative took place on June 30, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 from the twin routes of Sonamarg and Pahalgam in central and south Kashmir, respectively.

The police emphasized that these drills were essential to assess emergency preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of the pilgrimage. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vidhi Kumar Birdi stated, “Security agencies have adopted a multi-layered approach by combining ground deployment with advanced surveillance measures, including aerial monitoring and supervision from elevated locations to maintain a comprehensive watch over the Yatra route and surrounding areas.”

In addition to addressing potential militant threats, the drills also focused on responding to unusual movements or suspicious activities. Mr. Birdi highlighted that several stretches along the pilgrimage routes are vulnerable to natural calamities, such as landslides, avalanches, and glacial movements. To tackle these concerns, tabletop exercises have been conducted in coordination with local stakeholders, disaster management authorities, and other departments involved in the Yatra.

Authorities have scientifically mapped vulnerable locations. “Medical Response Teams (MRTs) and other emergency rescue units have been strategically deployed at sensitive locations to provide immediate assistance in case of any weather-related emergencies or other incidents,” Mr. Birdi added.

During the mock drill, designated police officers briefed all participating agencies on their roles and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The focus of the drill was on response time, communication flow, coordinated action, and adherence to emergency protocols.

The drill simulated multiple scenarios, including road traffic accidents, fidayeen attacks, law and order contingencies, accidental injuries, evacuation, rescue operations, and medical emergencies. The aim was to evaluate operational readiness, inter-agency coordination, and the effectiveness of emergency responses during critical situations.

Following the exercise, a detailed debriefing session was held to identify operational gaps, evaluate response mechanisms, and refine the emergency response plan and SOPs. The police noted, “The mock drill demonstrated the effectiveness of the existing emergency response framework while providing inputs to further strengthen preparedness ahead of the Yatra.”

The administration has established an integrated command control center for round-the-clock monitoring of Yatra routes, real-time data dissemination, and the collection and compilation of information regarding the capacities of Yatra camps and the availability of essential commodities and services.

In north Kashmir’s Baramulla, a multi-agency mock drill was also conducted at the Railway Station Hamray. Various emergency scenarios were simulated to evaluate the effectiveness of joint response mechanisms, communication, evacuation procedures, and crisis management.

To ensure the safe, secure, and seamless movement of Yatra convoys and facilitate effective traffic management, the Baramulla Police advised all tourists and visitors intending to travel to Gulmarg to strictly comply with traffic restrictions. “No tourist vehicle shall be permitted to proceed from Gulmarg towards Srinagar after 5 p.m. Likewise, no tourist vehicle shall be allowed to travel from Srinagar towards Gulmarg after 5 p.m. These restrictions shall remain in force throughout the notified Yatra period,” the police stated.