36 attacks on Amarnath yatra in 27 years, 53 killed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 25

The government today informed that so far in the past 27 years of the Amarnath yatra, pilgrims faced 36 terror attacks, killing 53 of them.

In a reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir said, “From 1990 till date, 36 terrorist attacks have been reported on Amarnath yatris in which 53 were killed and 167 were injured.”

The minister further contended that all possible arrangements, however, were being made by the Jammu & Kashmir Government with the help of the Centre to ensure peaceful and secure yatra.

In the latest terror attack that took place on July 10, seven pilgrims were killed in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. One injured pilgrim succumbed to her injuries later.

Replying to another question, the minister said the duration and schedule of the pilgrimage was based on the decision taken by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board every year.

The duration was decided by the extent of snowfall in the preceding winter and the date on which Raksha Bandhan falls, when it traditionally concludes, Ahir said.

Therefore, the minister said, the duration of the pilgrimage varies from year to year. In 2017, the pilgrimage commenced on June 29 and would culminate on Raksha Bandhan which falls on August 7.