New threat from stone-pelters
25/05/2017
Pilgrimage to the high-altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is about to beginon June 29th and stone pelting mobs and militants pose equal threat to the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. More than 27,000 security personnel will be deployed along the route to ensure that all goes peacefully. Security forces have taken into consideration all issues before finalising the security plan, he said in response to a question on the possible impact of the destruction of Pakistan army posts by the Indian Army.The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sought around 27,000 security personnel from the Central Government, mostly Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Last year, around 20,000 paramilitary personnel besides State police personnel were deployed along the route.
Though there are no specific threats to the pilgrims, the Central and Jammu and Kashmir Governments are taking no chances and ordered all possible steps to ensure foolproof security. Notwithstanding the continuing unrest in the Kashmir valley, there has been no drop in the number of devotees who have enrolled for the arduous trek, an official said. So far, around 1.80 lakh pilgrims have registered. Around 2.20 lakh pilgrims had offered prayers at the naturally formed ice-Shivlingam last year. The shrine is located 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal. The Amarnathyatra will conclude on August 7.
J&K has seen protests and violence since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July last year. There was massive violence during the April 9 bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in which eight people lost their lives in more than 200 incidents. The Election Commission had cancelled the May 25 bypoll to Anantnag Lok Sabha seat saying the situation was not conducive to hold elections.
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