SRINAGAR:In view of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ festival, the journey of holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva to Pahalgam from Srinagar on ‘Ashad Purnima’, security arrangements have been intensified in Anantnag of south Kashmir, where two grenade attacks left a civilian dead and 12 others, including five CRPF personnel, injured during the past one week.
The convoy carrying Chhari-Mubarak has to pass through Anantnag before reaching Pahalgam, where ‘Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and Dhawajrohan’ will be organised tomorrow, marking the beginning of the age-old traditional ritual, connected with the annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.
However, the holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva will commence its journey on August 25 to the cave shrine, situated at 12500 feet in south Kashmir Himalayas, for final Pujan on August 29. Four CRPF personnel, including a senior officer and as many civilians were injured in a grenade attack yesterday on a Road Opening Party (ROP) at KP Road on Khanabal-Pahalgam road.
This was the second grenade attack in Anantnag in less than a week as on July 25, a person was killed and four others, including a CRPF jawan, were injured at Achabal Adda in the town. Official sources said though there was no specific information about any militant plan to target the yatris, but night and foot patrolling has been further intensified on entire route from the Highway to Pahalgam. Additional security forces had been deployed and naka checking established at several places on the highway and Khanabal-Pahalgam road.
A close watch was being maintained on the activities of known anti national elements, they said, adding that some of them have been questioned in connection with these attacks, which took place when the annual yatra was in progress.
However, sources said, adequate security measures had been taken and three-tier security was provided to the devotees undertaking the yatra. ”We have Army, Central paramilitary forces and state police to meet any challenge,” they asserted.
Two attacks during less than a week was a cause of concern, though situation was well under control, they said, adding that additional security forces would accompany the Chhari Mubarak tomorrow from Srinagar to Pahalgam. Chhari Mubarak will return to Dashnami Akhara same evening under proper security arrangements. (AGENCIES)
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