Insta
Year After Terror Attack On Amarnath Yatra, Hizbul Calls Yatris ‘Guests’; Says No Need For Security Cover
Swarajya Staff
Jun 27, 2018, 03:21 PM | Updated 03:21 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
A year after a terrorist attack claimed the lives of eight Amarnath Yatris, Kashmiri terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has now released an audio welcoming the pilgrims to the state, Hindustan Times has reported.
The audio message, supposedly from Hizbul’s operational commander, Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo, calls on the pilgrims to complete the yatra without fear, and that they don’t even need security cover as there is no threat of an attack.
“You don’t need any security as you are our guests.
Recently J&K DGP SP Vaid said that the security of the Amarnath yatra has been beefed-up, as militants are planning to attack the yatra. This is not true. We don’t have any plan to attack Amarnath yatra and will never attack them,’’ Naikoo says in the clip.
Reportedly, he also says that the Hizbul has no problems with Kashmiri Pandits returning to the state but opposes separate colonies for them.
The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra will leave from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp today. The highest-ever number of pilgrims are expected to take part in the Amarnath Yatra this year. The number of advance registrations for the yatra has already crossed 2 lakh.
However, keeping in mind the attacks last year, at least 40,000 security personnel from the police, paramilitary forces, National Disaster Response Force and the Army have been being deployed for the pilgrims’ security this year. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on 26 August.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.