Amarnath Yatra attack: Only registered convoys to be allowed

Srinagar/New Delhi: The army chief rushed to Kashmir on Tuesday to review the security in the Valley following an audacious terrorist attack on a pilgrims’ bus. Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat rushed to Srinagar on Tuesday morning where he held a series of meetings, including with Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

He also chaired a security review meeting in Srinagar which was attended by top Army officials. “The COAS (Chief of Army Staff) condemned the dastardly act of terror against innocent Amarnath pilgrims, and indicated that the security forces will counter this menace with greater resolve,” the spokesman said.

The Army chief exhorted the commanders and troops to keep up the pressure on the terrorists, the spokesman added.

In New Delhi, home minister Rajnath Singh chaired another meeting that was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and senior officials of the central police forces.

The meeting reviewed the security arrangements for the yatra and decided to make some changes in the existing arrangements. 

For instance, the timing for the road-opening party which leads the pilgrims’ convoy is likely to be extended by an hour from 7 pm as of now. 

In addition, two more security vehicles will be added to the convoy along with a mobile bunker, and security posts along the route in the sensitive South Kashmir area would also be increased.

It was also decided to make the screening process for the Yatra more stringent and allow movement of only those convoys registered with the authorities.