Srinagar: The Indian Army on Friday said that there are ‘confirmed intelligence reports that terrorists backed by the Pakistan Army are trying to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra.’
Army also said that a ‘Pakistan made landmine’ and a sniper rifle were found on the route of the pilgrimage.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon said, “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.”
He added, “Among the Army’s finds were a landmine with Pakistan ordnance factory markings and an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescopic sight. The yatra route was being sanitised for three days.”
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.
Meanwhile, over the past few days, the movement of troops to the state, where central paramilitary personnel are being airdropped in sorties, has fuelled speculation about ‘security threats.’ There are speculations that Government of India might take a decision regarding the Article 35-A and 370, which accords special status to residents of JK.
Earlier, during the day former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that reason for putting the Army and the Air force on high alert cannot be related to Article 35-A or dilimitation but something else.
Moreover, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti also reiterated that any move which will be aimed at attacking the special status of the state will be opposed.
