Terror threat looms over Kanwar Yatra

New Delhi: In the wake of a terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, the Delhi police has issued an advisory to its officers to step up security on routes being used by ‘kanwars’ (devotees of Lord Shiva) to enter the national capital. On Monday, terrorists killed seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, and injured 19 others as they struck a bus in Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The Kanwar Yatra started from Monday and thousands of devotes will undertake the annual pilgrimage on foot from Haridwar and pass through Delhi till July 21.

Security has been specifically beefed up in the areas of the north, east and northeast parts of Delhi, from where the Kanwars have started arriving in the city.

“It is advised that proper anti-terror arrangements should be put in place at all vital installations, business establishments and other vulnerable targets, including crowded markets, malls, religious places, Metro stations, airport, railway stations etc,” the Delhi police advisory read.

“QRTs may also be deployed strategically along the route and on halting points,” the statement said. Temporary towers with snipers will also be placed on the route along with SWAT vehicles, which will be able to deal with any situation. “The national capital is always a target for terror groups. With the Amarnath terror attack, the vigil has been heightened,” said a senior police officer. He added that an advisory has also been issued keeping in the mind that Independence Day is around the corner. “In view of the terrorist attack at Anantnag on pilgrims and security forces during the Amarnath yatra, it is advised that proper anti-terror arrangements should be put in place at all vital installations in the city,” said Pramod Kuswah, DCP (Special Cell).

Meanwhile, police in Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon have also been asked to keep a tight vigil during ongoing Kanwar yatra.