Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi undertook a high-level security review in Kashmir today in preparation for the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025. The annual pilgrimage, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, is projected to draw more than 600,000 devotees, reaffirming the region’s strategic sensitivity and operational importance.
General Dwivedi closely examined the preparedness of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, receiving in-depth briefings on current threat assessments and strategic deployments. A key component of the review included demonstrations of advanced surveillance infrastructure and rapid response capabilities. These developments align with the Indian Army’s post-2022 modernization strategy that incorporates artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, and digital command systems—technologies estimated to improve conflict zone efficiency by 30%.
The Army Chief lauded the Chinar Corps for their continued vigilance and effective execution of counter-terror operations. He also highlighted the importance of community engagement and development initiatives as critical components of sustained peace in the region.
This marked a shift from previous years, where similar reviews were conducted at the corps command level. General Dwivedi’s direct involvement underscores elevated security concerns amid a 15% rise in terrorist incidents across Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, according to data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, demands a robust security apparatus due to persistent threats in the region. The Indian Army, in coordination with paramilitary forces and local administration, is committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful passage for pilgrims amid evolving challenges.
