Security has been heightened ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage that begins on July 3, with thousands of Indian paramilitary personnel, police and other security forces deployed along the pilgrimage routes, at base camps and key transit points. Indian authorities said they have implemented a multi layered security plan that includes checkpoints, road opening patrols, surveillance systems, drone monitoring and emergency response teams to help ensure the safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The deployment is part of extensive security arrangements for the pilgrimage amid longstanding security concerns in the region.