Kashmir Police Conduct Mock Drills for Suicide Attacks, Landslides Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with multiple agencies, conducted comprehensive mock drills on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to prepare for potential suicide attacks and natural calamities ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. The drills took place at the Transit Yatri Camp in Panthachowk and the Railway Station in Hamray, Baramulla.

Inspector General of Police Vidhi Kumar Birdi stated that security agencies have adopted a multi-layered approach combining ground deployment with advanced surveillance, including aerial monitoring and supervision from elevated locations to maintain watch over the Yatra routes and surrounding areas.

Birdi noted that several stretches along the pilgrimage routes remain vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides, avalanches, and glacial movements. Tabletop exercises have been conducted with local stakeholders, disaster management authorities, and other departments associated with the Yatra to address these concerns.

Authorities have scientifically mapped vulnerable locations. Medical Response Teams and other emergency units have been deployed at sensitive spots to provide immediate assistance during weather-related emergencies or other incidents.

During the drills, designated police officers briefed all agencies on their roles and Standard Operating Procedures. The focus was on response time, communication flow, coordinated action, and adherence to emergency protocols. Scenarios included road traffic accidents, fidayeen attacks, law and order contingencies, accidental injuries, evacuation, rescue operations, and medical emergencies.

A detailed debriefing session followed to identify operational gaps, evaluate response mechanisms, and refine the emergency response plan and SOPs. The police said the mock drill demonstrated the effectiveness of the existing emergency response framework while providing inputs to strengthen preparedness ahead of the Yatra.

The administration has set up an integrated command control centre for round-the-clock monitoring of Yatra routes, real-time data dissemination, and compilation of information on capacities of Yatra camps and availability of essential commodities and services.

The Baramulla Police also advised tourists and visitors planning to travel to Gulmarg to comply with traffic restrictions: no tourist vehicles from Gulmarg towards Srinagar after 5 p.m., and no vehicles from Srinagar towards Gulmarg after 5 p.m. These restrictions will remain throughout the notified Yatra period.