The Jammu and Kashmir administration’s declaration of all routes of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 as ‘No-Fly Zones’ from July 1 to August 10, encompassing the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, is a timely and necessary security intervention which should not be undermined as chief minister Omar Abdullah has sought to do. This decision, while seemingly stringent, is rooted in the imperative to ensure the safety of lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the arduous and spiritually significant journey to the Amarnath cave shrine. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra draws devotees from across the nation and abroad. Every year, the influx of pilgrims, VVIP visits, and heightened media attention elevate the logistical and security complexities manifold. In such a sensitive and mountainous terrain, even a minor lapse could escalate into a major tragedy. The ‘No-Fly Zone’ declaration is, therefore, not an overreach, but a necessary precaution to mitigate aerial threats and to streamline ground-level security operations. Firstly, the aerial restrictions help minimize the risk of potential drone-based attacks or surveillance activities. Given the recent Pahalgam massacre and the evolving nature of threats, including the use of commercial drones for surveillance or even payload delivery, a ‘No-Fly Zone’ serves as a deterrent and enables swift action against any unauthorized aerial objects. With Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits, the precaution becomes even more critical in preserving the sanctity and safety of the pilgrimage. Secondly, the airspace over the Yatra route was used by helicopters ferrying VIPs, security personnel, and medical evacuation teams besides the pilgrims. Declaring the area a ‘No-Fly Zone’—except for authorized security and medical operations—will ensures ensure that the nefarious designs of terrorists are defeated. It also helps prioritize the use of helicopters for life-saving missions and logistical support. Chief minister Omar Abdullah’s statement that the decision to shut down helicopter service would send a wrong message is wrong. If at all, it is a small cost to be paid when compared to the necessity of ensuring a peaceful pilgrimage. The J&K government’s move is not just a security measure but a statement of its commitment to preserving life and upholding public order in a sensitive place hit by a recent terror attack. By preemptively declaring a ‘No-Fly Zone,’ authorities are not only forestalling potential dangers but also sending a clear message: the safety of devotees and the sanctity of the Amarnath Yatra are non-negotiable.