Jammu, June 7 : Ahead of the bi-annual Amarnath pilgrimage starting mid-June, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has beefed up security to ensure an unhindered journey for the pilgrims.

"We have stepped up our security set up for smooth conduct and incident-free Yatra from Lakhanpur, Jammu to Amarnath cave in south Kashmir. CRPF has also put in place anti-IED devices, frisking, screening equipment, other security gadgets and sniffer dogs," said P Tripathi, spokesman of CRPF.

Apart from CRPF companies, two women CRPF companies have also been inducted for the security of women pilgrims this year, Tripathi added.

"The CRPF would be guarding several camps in Pahalgam-cave and Baltal-cave routes, besides food and resting point''s enroute the cave shrine", Tripati said.

Apart from that quick reaction teams, anti-IED devices, security gadgets and sniffer dogs have also been put in at various sensitive places to counter any untoward incident.

The Yatra will be held from June 15 to August 5.

Every year a large number of devotees trek the steep, slippery 48-km route to reach the Amarnath cave shrine, which stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. (ANI)