JAMMU, May 29 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a major step to bolster security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, has approved the deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for duty in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit on Thursday.

A communication regarding the same has been sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of J&K on May 23. The MHA had responded to a formal request from the J&K government dated May 20, seeking additional forces to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage season.

According to sources, 156 companies are already stationed in J&K-including units from the CRPF (91), BSF (13) and from other CAPFs.

An additional 425 ...