Terror attack feared during Amarnath Yatra

JAMMU - Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir fear a possible terror strike during the Amarnath pilgrimage commencing July 1.

The concern was voiced at a meeting of the core group of security agencies including the army, police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with civil administration officials Saturday.

At the meeting at the headquarters of 16 corps at Nagrota, 13 km north of Jammu, the corps commander, Lt. Gen. Rameshwar Roy, said: “There is a need to be more vigilant in view of the possibility of terrorists attempting to disrupt the existing peace in the region, especially during the months of the pilgrimage.”

Tens of thousands make it every year to the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at a height of 13,500 feet.

Roy, who is also security advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, reviewed the security situation in Jammu region, a military spokesperson said.

Roy said that “all areas must be appropriately sanitised” in view of the two-month-long pilgrimage.