Pilgrims begin Amarnath trek

Three militants had also been killed at Banihal falling on the Kashmir route of the yatra yesterday. Militants had also gunned down 28 people at Qasim Nagar area here on July 13. Security arrangements were also tight in and around the departure point of the stadium. In fact, checking began yesterday at all points in the city. Security personnel were out in full force.

Speaking about the unprecedented arrangements, IGP Jammu zone, P.L. Gupta, said security was tighter than previous years because of reports that splinter militant groups would target the yatra.

8216;8216;We have inputs that ISI-carved groups, each having 10-15 members, will work in tandem to attack the pilgrims,8217;8217; said Gupta. 8216;8216;This will prevent outfits from coming under eyes of international agencies for spreading a reign of terror. The other purpose is to divert attention of security forces so that we cannot concentrate on one particular outfit.8217;8217;