Amarnath yatra: Security agencies to deploy anti-drone to ensure safe pilgrimage

The security agencies will deploy anti-drone system to keep the Amarnath yatra safe and incident free. The annual pilgrimage is commencing from June 30 and will conclude on August 11.

The likely threat of drones targeting the annual Amarnath yatra has security forces in a huddle-for-devising counter-drone mechanisms for thwarting terrorist designs.

Sources have told India Today that the possible use of drones by terrorists was discussed in a high level security review meeting.

A plan has been drawn up by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to deal with drones to keep the yatra safe and incident free.

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As the countdown to Amarnath Yatra approaches closer, security agencies are on heightened alert, with the threat of drones not being ruled out. The attack by drones is the new addition to the terror factory. The security grid have been asked to leave no stone unturned to make the yatra incident free. The agencies have held threadbare discussions about security arrangements. Highly placed sources have told India Today that anti-drones will be deployed along the routes in yatra. Both the NSG and Indian Air Force will have an anti-drone system deployed on the two routes. With Amarnath yatra taking place after a hiatus of two years, the security agencies are deploying technology at a level never seen before on the annual pilgrimage. But threats of attack from groups like TRF are keeping security agencies on their toes.

Last year, in the first drone attack in the country, two explosions rocked the high security technical area of Indian Air Force (IAF) Station in Jammu on the intervening night of June 26-27. This time, the security agencies are not taking any chances. Security officials point out that the border is a safe distance away from the border, but security preparations also account for drone-dropped arms and ammunition. Many were carrying weapons from Pakistan for terrorists in the valley, as per police. Terror groups like the TRF have already warned of disrupting Amarnath yatra this year.

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