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| Security beefed up as terror threat looms over Amarnath Yatra | | | Agencies
New Delhi, June 18: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are looking to carry out terror attacks on the holy Amarnath Yatra, the Indian security agencies have learned. The two-month Amarnath Yatra begins on June 28. Not surprisingly, security has been beefed up and an extensive and a foolproof plan has been prepared by security forces to ward off any threat by the militants. An intelligence note accessed by national channel shows that LeT has been tasked to carry out attacks on Amarnath yatris without getting exposed. "JeM cadres in south Kashmir have been tasked for carrying out fidayeen attacks," a CID input said. CRPF IG Ravideep Sahi also confirmed to national channel that there were strong inputs from agencies of a possible terror attack.
"There is a higher level of threat perception to Amarnath Yatra this year. There are terror groups working alone as well as terror groups like Lashkar, Hizb and Jaish working as hybrid terror groups. Security forces are working hard to fend off any such terror attacks," he said.
Almost a year ago, Lashkar operatives had unleashed a terror attack on a bus carrying yatris, killing 10 devotees from Gujarat and injuring 18.
SP Vaid DGP J&K Police said: "I can assure all Amarnath Yatri's of their protection. At the same time, I request them to not to break security protocol and to follow instructions. They must maintain timings and must not violate security protocol."
While security forces are looking at a two-month period of the yatra, intelligence inputs also suggest a group of JeM terrorist may be ready to carry out fidayeen attacks on security force camps or target security convoys on Srinagar-Jammu Highway in south Kashmir. The input coincides with the Centre's decision not to extend the Ramzan ceasefire, which lasted a month till Eid. This year security agencies have had multiple high-level meetings for a foolproof plan. Additional security forces have been deployed this year taking the number of Central Armed Police Force and security agencies to 213.
An extensive plan includes the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers for vehicles carrying yatris to aid security forces keep track of movement. Installation of RFID tags in vehicles used by pilgrims will aid in better coordination and use of drones for the surveillance of suspicious activities. The RFID tags will be installed on vehicles when an individual or tour operator registers to travel to Kashmir for Amarnath Yatra. At least 10-15 drones will operate through the day to monitor yatris. A 24X7 helpline number 1364 will start two days before the yatra. Additional CCTV cameras, bulletproof bunkers, dog squads and quick reaction teams on the yatra route will also be in place. Satellites are likely to track the movement of pilgrims. |
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