Amarnath Yatra 2026: DGP Nalin Prabhat orders security review, J&K Police launches PEHCHAAN QR verification system

As just two weeks remain before the commencement of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, directed all agencies to enhance security measures at vulnerable points, particularly along the main pilgrimage route and other sensitive locations.

The DGP emphasised the need to review and further strengthen security arrangements along the highly sensitive and vulnerable Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and railway infrastructure across the Union Territory.

This year’s Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan on August 28.

Prabhat convened a security review meeting in connection with the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026 at the Police Control Room, Kashmir.

The high-level meeting was attended by senior officers of the army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, and J&K Police.

DGP J&K directed all security agencies to adopt the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and directed that daily briefings be conducted for all deployed personnel to ensure operational readiness and situational awareness.

Nalin Prabhat also instructed officers to sensitise pilgrims at camp locations regarding safety protocols through awareness campaigns, including the display of banners and posters highlighting SOPs and important Do’s and Don’ts at strategic locations to ensure effective dissemination of information.

Emphasising the importance of vigilance and accountability, the DGP stated that there is no room for complacency or errors in the security grid and directed officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and preparedness.

The DGP further emphasised close coordination among all security and intelligence agencies operating on the ground and directed them to ensure the timely sharing of information to achieve desired security outcomes.

The J&K Police chief instructed the forces to work jointly and intensify efforts to neutralise the remaining terrorists and their associates active in the Valley. He also called for enhanced cordon and search operations, particularly around Yatra routes, National Highway stretches, railway stations, and other critical locations.

The DGP directed officers to maintain strict vigilance over social media platforms and ensure prompt intervention to counter misinformation and fake narratives.
The DGP instructed the officers to take legal action against any individuals found to be involved in spreading rumours or creating panic through false information.

‘PEHCHAAN’ – the QR-based verification system for Amarnath Yatra launched

In a major step aimed at strengthening security and enhancing transparency during the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police has introduced “PEHCHAAN – Know Your Service Provider”, a QR code-based verification system for all registered service providers associated with the annual pilgrimage.

According to the police, the PEHCHAAN initiative has been designed to ensure that pilgrims engage only with verified and registered service providers throughout the Yatra. The system covers a wide range of service providers, including pony walas, pithoo operators, guides, tent operators, food vendors, transport operators, photographers, sanitation workers and other registered personnel involved in facilitating the pilgrimage.

Under the new mechanism, every registered service provider will be issued an official PEHCHAAN QR card containing details such as the service provider’s name, registration number, verification status and validity period. Pilgrims can verify the authenticity of service providers by simply scanning the QR code using their smartphone cameras.

J&K Police stated that the initiative will help prevent fraud, impersonation and overcharging while enhancing accountability, transparency and public confidence during the Yatra. The system is also expected to facilitate quicker grievance redressal and strengthen overall security arrangements along the pilgrimage route.

Authorities have advised pilgrims to avail services only from individuals carrying valid PEHCHAAN QR cards and to save scanned information for future reference. Yatris have also been urged to immediately report any suspicious activity, behavioural discrepancies or identity-related concerns to the nearest police personnel.