Vehicles used in Amarnath yatra to get radio-frequency ID tags

NEW DELHI: In a bid to strengthen security for pilgrims to travelling to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for the annual Amarnath yatra, the central government has decided to install radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags in vehicles used by pilgrims, CRPF officials said on Wednesday.

The RFID device uses radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object in this case — a vehicle.

The pilot project is being carried out by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Jammu and Kashmir police and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, confirmed RR Bhatnagar, director general of CRPF.

“Under the project, we have decided to do a test run this year and from next year onwards all vehicles carrying yatris will be provided the RFID’s. Information about the vehicle will be stored digitally and shared with concerned departments. This will ensure proper monitoring and safety of the passengers,” he said.

Other officials in the home ministry said the decision was taken in the aftermath of a militant attack on yatris last year that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians. It was later revealed that the bus that came under attack was not registered with the Amarnath shrine board.

“The device will be installed onto the vehicles when an individual or tour operators register to travel to Kashmir for Amarnath yatra,” Bhatnagar added. The annual yatra this year will start on June 28 and will continue till August 26.