Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Jun 9: Jammu and Kashmir Police have implemented advanced facial recognition systems (FRS) along the Pahalgam route of the Amarnath Yatra as part of a comprehensive security initiative to prevent terror threats against pilgrims, an official announced on Monday.

According to the official, the system is designed to alert security personnel in real time if any blacklisted individual appears within the camera’s field of view. Images of known terrorists and suspected overground workers have already been uploaded into the system’s database to enhance surveillance.

“As soon as a flagged person enters the camera’s frame, a hooter at the surveillance centre goes off, allowing security forces to immediately respond and neutralize the threat,” the official explained.

The FRS technology identifies individuals by analyzing facial features captured in digital photos or videos, matching them against the preloaded database.

Authorities are also working to extend the same facial recognition systems to the shorter Baltal route before the yatra commences on July 3. The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Notably, this year’s yatra has been shortened to 38 days compared to 52 days last year.

Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, enthusiasm for the pilgrimage remains high, with more than 300,000 pilgrims already registered.

“Amarnath Yatra has historically been targeted by terrorists,” the official emphasized. “Given the influx of devotees each year, it is crucial to establish robust security measures to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.”

In the past, authorities have implemented several initiatives, including tagging vehicles and pilgrims with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track their movements and placing the entire route from Jammu to the shrine under CCTV surveillance.

The yatra has tragically witnessed multiple terror attacks over the years: In August 2000, an attack at the Nunwan base camp killed 32 people, including 24 pilgrims. The following year, militants killed 13 at the Sheshnag base camp. In 2002, an attack at Chandanwari left 11 pilgrims dead. More recently, in July 2017, militants targeted a bus carrying pilgrims in Kulgam, killing eight.

With the new facial recognition technology in place, authorities aim to enhance security and maintain the sanctity and safety of this cherished pilgrimage.