Bid to attack pilgrims foiled

Hizbul Mujahideen's Manzoor Alam has revealed to cops terrorist groups were plotting to attack Amarnath pilgrims.

Security for this year's Amarnath Yatra has been further tightened following the arrest of a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist from the route to the Holy cave shrine, who has revealed that terrorist groups are planning to attack pilgrims.

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State police and various security agencies have been questioning the terrorist Manzoor Alam, arrested from Sheshnag, en-route to the Holy cave shrine, recently after the commencement of the yatra.

Alam told interrogators that terrorist outfits were now concentrating more on creating a communal backlash in the state by targeting Hindus in Kashmir and Muslims in Jammu, sources said.

Concerned over these developments and revelations by the terrorist, the Centre has already asked its Special Secretary (Internal Security) GS Rajgopal to camp in Srinagar and review the security measures on a day-to-day basis.

The security forces, including the Army, has been asked to gear up though they have made it clear that it would be practically impossible to plug all security holes keeping in mind the rugged terrain overlooking the yatra route, sources said.