Govt asks Amarnath Yatris, tourists to leave Kashmir Valley

New Delhi / Srinagar : The principal secretary to home department of Government of Jammu and Kashmir today issued a security advisory asking Amarnath Yatris and tourists to leave Kashmir valley immediately.

“Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible”, states the letter signed by Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to Government.

In view of the threat of terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Yatra has been stopped 13 days earlier. The Home Department issued an order asking the pilgrims and tourists of Shri Amarnath in Kashmir to return to their homes as soon as possible keeping in view the existing law and order issue. According to the latest information, this step has been taken after finding Pakistani landmine and sniper rifle on the route. Shri Amarnath Yatra was to run till 15th August ie Rakshabandan, but it was first stopped due to weather and now in the fear of terrorist attacks.

While issuing an order based on Intelligence input, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has expressed the possibility of terrorist attack. These Intelligence inputs have been issued regarding Amarnath Yatra. After intelligence input, all the pilgrims who came to the Kashmir Valley and all the pilgrims who are going to join the trip have been warned by the police. At the same time, the Amarnath Yatra has been stopped and orders have been issued asking the tourists return home.