Amarnath Yatra: Indian Army Launches Operation Shiva
The Indian Army has launched Operation Shiva to provide full security and safety for pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra 2025 after past terror attacks.
The Amarnath Cave Temple, located in the Himalayas at 12,730 feet, is one of the most holy places for Hindus. Inside this special cave, a natural Ice Shivling forms every year. This Ice Shivling grows and becomes small according to the moon’s cycle and melts by the end of summer, which many people believe is a divine sign.
Every year, lakhs of people from all over India go on the Amarnath Yatra. This year, the Amarnath Yatra 2025 started on 3rd July 2025 and will end on 9th August 2025. Pilgrims can take the Pahalgam route (48 km), which is longer but easier, or the Baltal route (14 km), which is shorter but much steeper.
So far, more than 5 lakh people have registered for the Yatra, and by mid-July, around 1.4 lakh pilgrims had already visited the Amarnath cave.
Due to recent attacks in Pahalgam and earlier attacks in 2000, 2001, 2017, and 2025, the Indian Army has started “Operation Shiva” to protect all pilgrims. Over 8,500 army soldiers are guarding the Yatra. Along with them, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police are also helping.
To keep pilgrims safe, more than 50 anti-drone systems have been installed. Special PTZ cameras are watching all convoys, which can turn and zoom to monitor big areas. Army engineers have also fixed bridges, cleared landslides, and made the paths safer.
For health support, there are more than 150 doctors, 9 medical camps, 2 advanced stations (small hospitals), a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths with 2 lakh litres of oxygen. Bomb squads, quick-reaction teams, emergency food supplies for 25,000 people, and army helicopters are always ready in case of emergency.
The aim of Operation Shiva is to make this high-altitude Yatra safe and comfortable for everyone.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also remembered that in 1996 there were threats to pilgrims, but the late Balasaheb Thackeray had said clearly that if any pilgrim was harmed, then not a single flight from India would take Haj pilgrims abroad.
The Amarnath Yatra continues to be a journey of faith, and with strong security this year, devotees are able to complete their pilgrimage safely.
