J&K Bans Flights Over Amarnath Yatra Route For Security

Jammu and Kashmir has declared the Amarnath Yatra route a ‘no-flying zone’, citing drone threats and aiming to establish "full proof security arrangements."

This restriction will apply from 1 July to 10 August, covering both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, reported Deccan Herald.

The Union Territory's Home Department issued the declaration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's orders, prohibiting all aviation platforms and devices, including UAVs, drones, and balloons, from flying along the pilgrimage axes.

The decision comes as part of enhanced security measures for the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on 3 July and conclude on 9 August this year. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs advised declaring the entire route a 'No Flying Zone' to strengthen security during the Yatra.

These beefed-up security measures follow the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, underscoring the need for reinforced security during mass gatherings.

Over 580 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) will be deployed along the Yatra route, complementing aerial surveillance, RFID tracking of pilgrims, and multi-tier security cordons. "The no-flying order is a precautionary but necessary move, given the nature of threats we face today," a police official stated.