State failed to prevent attack despite IG’s warning
Ravi Krishnan Khajuria JAMMU: The terror attack on Amarnath Nath yatra in Anantnag on Monday has exposed chinks in security and is a reflection of the lackadaisical attitude of the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir.
An IGP-rank officer had warned of a terror rank, yet the state government failed to prevent to ensure fool-proof security.
On June 27, two days before the yatra was to start, inspector general of police (Kashmir Zone) Muneer Khan had written to the army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the range deputy inspector generals in the state warning of a terror attack.
“Intelligence input received from SSP Anantnag reveals that terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100-150 pilgrims and about 100 police officers and officials,” his letter that was circulated on many groups on WhatApp said.
“The input is assessed to be a HUMINT (human intelligence) and it needs further corroboration …The attack may be in the form of stand-off fire on yatra convoy which they believe will result in flaring of communal tensions throughout the nation,” the letter went on to add.
After the letter, the government claimed that it had mobilised over 35,000 troops including the police, the Army, the BSF and the Central Reserve Police Force.
Other officers had also accepted that peaceful conduct of the yatra was a challenge. Special director general of CRPF, SN Shrivastava had said, “This (yatra) is a big challenge to us. Elaborate security has been put in place for an incident-free yatra and to ensure safety and security of pilgrims and camps.”
BUS TARGETED HAD GUJARAT REGISTRATION NUMBER
Details of the attack remain sketchy. However, Hindustan Times managed to access an intelligence officer’s message. It reads, “Militants attacked a combined checkpost of the STF, SOG and CRPF at 2015 hours (8.15pm) at Khannabal and ran towards Batingo (Batengo)...no loss or injuries reported. Militants further attacked at 2020 hours a pilgrim bus (GJ09J/9976) at Batingo (seven pilgrims killed and 14 others injured)… militants escaped towards Arwani.
While escaping militants fired upon the camp of G/90 Battalion located at Arwani. No loss/injury reported. Pilgrims belonged to Gujarat.”
Meanwhile, former CM Omar Abdullah took to Twitter and appealed to Prime Minister Modi to ensure safety of Kashmiri students in colleges and universities across the country.
IAF CHOPPERS TO BRING BACK BODIES TO GUJARAT
NEWDELHI: The Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party cancelled all events scheduled for Tuesday, including meetings by party chief Amit Shah and a meeting of NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind with MPs and MLAs.
The bodies of the pilgrims will be brought to Gujarat in Indian Air Force choppers.