First batch of pilgrims leave Jammu for Amarnath Yatra

To review situation and take stock of all the security bandobast, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is arriving the state on two day visit. He along with State Governor N N Vohra will also have pratham (first) darshan of the ice lingam at the shrine on Tuesday.

“With adequate number of security forces sent to the state by Central government, all security arrangements for smooth conduct of yatra have been put in place,’’ said Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh while flagging of the first batch of pilgrims at Bhagwati Nagar here. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi and BJP’s Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore Sharma.

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He described recent terror strikes on security forces at Pampore and Bijberhara as desperate attempts on part of Pakistan and terrorists to disturb peace in the Valley which is witnessing huge tourist rush. More than 10 lakh tourists have visited the Valley so far, he pointed out

“Such incidents can take place at any place, but I can assure the visiting pilgrims and the tourists that all arrangements have been put in place to ensure their safety in the Valley,’’ Singh said. “Challenges always remain, but I can assure that we are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,’’ he added.

Security has been beefed up all over the state following inputs that terrorists may try to disrupt yatra this year. Apart from local police, para military forces have dominated all the heights along the 300 kms long Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

In the otherwise peaceful Jammu region, the police and security forces are also maintaining vigil against attempts by some anti-national elements to polarize situation. While there have been two incidents of sacrilege at temples in Roopnagar and Nanak Nagar, an incident of calf slaughter has taken place in Kalakote area since June 14 last. The administration already had described the incidents of sacrilege as “intelligent terror’’ and linked these to cross border terrorism aimed at vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in the state.