General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command: Army has received inputs that militants might try to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra; Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) asks different security agencies to do away with stringent conditions that create hurdl
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • According to reports, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt General K T Parnaik said that the Army has received inputs that militants might try to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence from June 28. He, however, said it was difficult to gauge where from these threats were emanating and how the terrorists might try to attack the pilgrimage. The General also mentioned that precautions are being taken and meetings are held under Operation Shiva - the operation named for the security of the Amarnath Yatra to discuss the security arrangements for the pilgrimage and plans are made on how to secure the Yatra. 1

    Reports noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked different security agencies to do away with stringent conditions that create hurdles in return of youth who had crossed the Line of Control for arms training in ‘90s. There is unanimity at the Centre and State level that procedure in vogue for return of youth from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is cumbersome and risky. The data available with J&K Police says that around 264 former militants have returned to State via Nepal till April 10 this year under the policy. 2

    Reports noted that Pakistani soldiers on June 19 opened indiscriminate firing along Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector in which a civilian was injured after an infiltration bid was foiled by Indian troops. 3

    According to reports, Governor N N Vohra on June 21 visited Sheshnag, Chandanwari and Nunwan camps on Pahalgam route to review arrangements for Shri Amarnath Yatra commencing on June 28. Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements for annual Yatra, the Governor asked the concerned departments to complete the pending work before June 26 so that logistics are put in place before the commencement of the Yatra. 4

    According to reports, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh would review execution of development programs including centrally sponsored schemes in Jammu and Kashmir during his two-day visit to the State on 25 June. Along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Dr Singh will arrive in the State to lay the foundation stone of a power project in Kishtwar district, release a stamp on renowned Kashmiri poet Mehjoor and inaugurate Pir Panchal Railway Tunnel in Banihal. 5

    In other developments, two policemen were killed and a girl injured when suspected militants opened fire on them at the busy Hari Singh High Street in the heart of Srinagar city on June 22. The incident took place when two pistol wielding youth opened fire on the cops from point-blank range and managed their escape from the spot, police said. Both the cops were shot in the head and the attack was so brisk that militants left no chance for the policemen to retaliate. Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen owned responsibility for the attack. 6

    According to reports, day before the arrival of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Kashmir, suspected militants carried out a deadly attack on an army convoy at Hyderpora in Srinagar, killing eight soldiers. Eleven soldiers were injured in the attack. Two more security personnel, including a Central Reserve Police Force officer, were injured in second attack by the gunmen when they were intercepted in the nearby Barzulla locality. An Army official said the soldiers were part of 35 Rashtriya Rifles stationed in Beerwah area of central district of Budgam. Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed the attack, according to local news agency. 7

    Top