General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), recently conducted a thorough review of the security arrangements in Kashmir, with a particular focus on the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually to the 12,700-foot-high Amarnath cave shrine, is scheduled to run from July 3 to August 9.
During his visit, General Dwivedi assessed the security grid in the Kashmir region and evaluated the preparedness for the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025. He received briefings on current operational dynamics and the strategic landscape, including a demonstration of how advanced technologies are being integrated into operations to facilitate smarter decisions and enhance surveillance and response capabilities. The COAS commended all ranks of the Chinar Corps for their steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and stability through effective counter-terror operations and initiatives focused on regional development and the upliftment of the local population. This information was shared by ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY in a post on X, with tags to @DefenceMinIndia, @SpokespersonMoD, @HQ_IDS_India, @NorthernComd_IA, and @ChinarcorpsIA.
General Dwivedi was also updated on “Operation Shiva,” an Army-led macro-security plan that involves collaboration among the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).
Following comprehensive field visits, General Dwivedi addressed the troops, praising the unwavering commitment of the 15 Chinar Corps and its personnel for their decisive counter-terror operations, which have contributed to peace and enabled development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the Corps’ humanitarian efforts in providing relief and protection to civilians affected by cross-Line of Control (LoC) shelling, emphasizing their dual role as “warriors and protectors.” The Army Chief urged continuous vigilance and preparedness, reiterating the need for a swift response with “decisive force” to any emerging challenge.
In a related development, the government has declared the Amarnath Yatra routes as no-flying zones from July 1 to August 10, prohibiting drones, balloons, and other aerial objects. Consequently, the SASB announced on June 18 that helicopter services would not be available for Amarnath Yatris this year. Pilgrims will be required to trek on foot or use ponies and palkis from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps.
