Amarnath Yatra concludes incident-free: CRPF

Srinagar, August 31

The Central Reserve Police Forces said on Monday that the Amarnath pilgrimage went without an incident yet again despite threats of militant strikes.

"CRPF again proved their incredible mettle by successfully conducting Shri Amarnath ji Yatra 2015, despite serious threats of terrorist strike and apprehensions of disturbances," CRPF spokesman AK Jha said in a statement here.

Jha said besides providing security cover to all pilgrims during entire yatra, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was at the forefront when incidents of cloudbursts occurred during pilgrimage.

"Several teams of CRPF along with their officers and doctors rescued several pilgrims and locals who were trapped due to cloud bursts," he said.

He added that being the nodal security agency for providing security cover to the Amarnath yatra, CRPF deployed about 67 companies to the pilgrim convoys.

"As is our usual practice during the yatra, CRPF deployed large number of troops this year. Some 67 companies, including female troopers, were deployed for security of yatri convoys from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal besides providing security on both the routes of yatra on Pahalgam and Baltal axis," he said.

"Last two yatras witnessed the terrorist attacks and other disturbances but amid speculations, this year it was a very peaceful and successful yatra More than 3,52,000 yatris visited the holy shrine despite inclement weather. Not a single incident of militant act occurred and the CRPF ensured infallible security arrangements," he said.

CRPF also took assistance of Quick Action Teams (QATs), Bomb Disposal Squads and manpower for the yatra. — PTI