Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a major security upgrade ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police have installed facial recognition cameras along the Pahalgam route to bolster real-time surveillance and threat detection.
Officials said the AI-enabled cameras are integrated with a database of active terrorists and wanted suspects. If a match is detected, the system immediately alerts the control room, triggering swift security responses.
“These systems offer real-time threat alerts, adding a proactive layer to our security grid,” said a senior police officer. “If a person flagged in the system is spotted, the control room is alerted instantly via audio and visual cues.”
The initiative comes amid heightened security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, and as over 3 lakh pilgrims have already registered for this year’s 38-day Yatra, set to begin on July 3.
In addition to facial recognition, officials have deployed RFID tracking for pilgrims and vehicles, strengthened CCTV coverage across base camps and routes, and enhanced ground patrols.
Similar facial recognition infrastructure is also being prepared along the Baltal route to ensure blanket security coverage.
“Technology is now at the heart of Yatra safety,” said a top official. “We are committed to making this pilgrimage safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling.”
The move is part of broader preparations coordinated between the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Army, and civil administration, who have been conducting regular review meetings to finalize logistics and security protocols(DD)