Kashmir on edge as J&K govt cuts down Amarnath Yatra amid terror threat

Srinagar : Amid confirmed terror intelligence reports of terrorists backed by Pakistani Army planning to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, the authorities have asked tourists to return immediately. The Indian Army revealed that landmines and sniper rifles have been recovered from the Amarnath Yatra route.

"In the last three-four days, there were confirmed intelligence reports that terrorists backed by Pakistan and its army is trying to disrupt Amarnath Yatra and based on that a thorough search was conducted. We had major successes in these searches," said Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon.

Among the findings are a landmine with Pakistan ordnance factory markings and an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescopic sight, the officer said.

Addressing a presser, Lt General Dhillon said "direct involvement of the Pakistan Army including mines and ammunition had been recovered."

According to the officer, there was a "massive threat of IEDs or crude bombs" and bombs had been found in searches along the Amarnath Yatra route.

"The searches are still going on. The Pakistan Army is desperate to disrupt peace. This will not be allowed to happen. No one can be allowed to disrupt the peace," said Lt General Dhillon.