J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik says advisory for Amarnath pilgrims, tourists is a security measure

Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said that advisory issued for Amarnath yatris is only a security measure. He requested the mainstream political leaders of the state not to believe in rumours and maintain calm. 

Governor late last night met a delegation of political leaders including PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, JK Peoples Movement President Dr Shah Faesal, Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Lone and another PC leader Imran Raza Ansari. 

The delegation sought clarifications about the security advisory issued yesterday and related developments. Governor Malik informed the delegation that there were serious and credible inputs which were available to the security agencies regarding terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra. Yesterday, Army's Corps Commander and State Police Chief at a joint press conference



detailed about the seriousness of these threats. 

Governor said it was in this context that the government had issued an advisory asking Yatris and tourists to return as soon as possible. Governor added that unnecessary panic was being created by linking this to all kinds of other issues. Yesterday, the same was clarified in the evening by the State Home Secretary and the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.

In view of inclement weather conditions, shooting stones and landslides particularly in Jammu region, the authorities on Wednesday announced that Yatra will remain suspended till 4th August. Over 3 lakh 39 thousand 6 hundred yatris had darshan of Shivling at the Holy Amarnath cave till July 31 since start of the Yatra on 1st July. The Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 15.