Security agencies issue fresh terror attack warning: Amarnath Yatra 2018

Security agencies have issued fresh warning about terror strike as latest inputs suggest that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba is planning to attack Pissu Top and Sheshnag strategic locations on way to Amarnath cave shrine.

The first batch of 3,000 pilgrims will begin their trek to the cave shrine on Thursday.

Sources in the security establishment said security around these places has been scaled up further for the 60-day yatra.


A senior intelligence officer suspect that the terrorist outfits may target armed forces or their installations, situated along Pahalgam, Anantanag and Pulwana, in case they are unable to breach multi-layered security net for pilgrims. The Pakistan-based militants may also target Army camps in Hiranagar of Kathua district and Sambha district, said security agency sources.

This threat factor has also been conveyed to armed forces. Amid these tough security measures, Hizbul Mujahideen’s Riyaz Naikoo has reportedly issued an audio to deny terrorists are planning to strike Amarnath Yatra. Naikoo says Amarnath Yatra is not their target and that pilgrims are “our guests”.

“We are at war with those who forced us to pick up gun. We are fighting for our rights and our freedom, our war is with the Indian state, and not with Indian people,” said Naikoo in the audio reportedly sourced from Facebook.

The HM is a terrorist outfit comprising mainly of local Kashmiris, which due to their business interests would not like to oppose the yatra, believe security experts. Army sources said HM commander Burhan Wani had also issued similar statement days before he was bumped off in an encounter by the security forces on July 8, 2016.

For the first time, vehicles have been tagged with RFID tags, bulletproof SUVs carrying forces and bunkers have been integrated into what sources said virtually impregnable security matrix to secure pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra.