The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has been on the radar of terrorist groups for long and every year. The recent infiltration bids and militant activities show that the Pak-trained and supported militants surely will try to disrupt the Yatra which commences from 2nd July would be of 48- day duration this year. Last year Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s demand for restricting Amarnath Yatra to 30 days had made Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh slam separatists by saying that they have become “irrelevant” in the State and were trying to communalise the issue to seek attention. Statements like these should not be taken seriously. These are given just to seek media attention, Singh had told media, stressing that the Yatra will be held as scheduled and all facilities including security will be provided to the pilgrims. In 2015, 35 militants had infiltrated and this year so far, sources said, 40 had already been able to sneak into the Valley to step up violence along with the local militants. There are certain security agencies that put the number of infiltrating militants this year much higher. This year up till 27th May over five militants have been eliminated who were trying to infiltrate from LoC. This is the first infiltration bid along the Nowgam sector this year that has been foiled by army. The sector is manned by the army’s Baramulla-based 19 Infantry Division. There was recently an attempt by militants to sneak into the Valley in neighbouring Kamalkote in the Uri sector, which was foiled by the army. Prior to this infiltration bid, Pakistan had violated ceasefire along the LoC in the sector on 16th May. Most of the infiltration, this year, had taken place through the Kupwara sector. Though there would be a multi-layer security in place so that Yatra continues safely still misadventure from militant side cannot be ruled out.
