Amarnath yatra route "highly prone" to terror strikes: J & K government

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has declared the entire Amarnath yatra route in the state as "highly prone" to terror strikes and directed security agencies to take necessary steps to ensure safety of pilgrims.

"Considering the security scenario, topography of the yatra area, high potential of terrorist attacks on the yatris to create law and order situation throughout the state and the country, sensitive nature of the yatra, and the high publicity the yatra generates, the entire yatra area is highly prone to terrorist attacks," the State Home Department said in a circular issued to all agencies concerned.

The circular, issued last week, directed the Army, police and other security forces to take action as per their standard operating procedures in the matter to ensure safe pilgrimage which starts on June 28.

"Directions (and) inputs received in this regard from intelligence agencies and Unified HQ should be promptly shared with other security forces (and) intelligence agencies and necessary action should be initiated to prevent any mishap," the circular reads.

The security agencies have also been directed to carry out aerial surveillance of the yatra area and deploy spotters in adequate numbers at the camps.

"Besides adequate deployment of security forces at the yatra camps, aerial surveillance of the yatra area may be undertaken and spotters may be deployed in adequate numbers at the yatra camps, particularly at the Holy Cave Shrine area to spot unwanted activities (and) suspicious characters," it added.