First on Zee Media: Exclusive pictures of Amarnath Cave Shrine

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...mehrishi-reviews-security-for-amarnath-yatra/

Union Home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review the security arrangement for Amarnath Yatra, during which the threats of stone-pelting mobs and militants were discussed. The annual pilgrimage will start from June 29 and will continue till August 7. More than 27,000 security personnel will be deployed along the route, said the home ministry.

“There are equal threats from militants and stone pelters. All threats are being taken care of,” Advisor in the Home Ministry Ashok Prasad said when asked if stone-pelting mobs could be the biggest threat to the 40-day pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine located at a height of 3,888 metres. In response to a question on the possible impact of the destruction of Pakistan Army posts by the Indian Army, Prasad said that security forces will take into consideration all issues before finalising the security plan. “Definitely, we will make all efforts to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage,” Prasad added.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sought around 27,000 security personnel from the central government, mostly CRPF personnel. Last year, around 20,000 paramilitary personnel, besides the state police, were deployed along the route. Though there are no specific threats to the pilgrims, the central and state governments are taking no chances and ordered all possible steps to ensure foolproof security, officials said.

During the meeting, Mehrishi is said to have directed all agencies concerned to keep a close watch and maintain effective coordination. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary B B Vyas, Director General of Police S P Vaid and top officials of the home ministry attended the meeting. Notwithstanding the continuing unrest in the Kashmir Valley, there has been no drop in the number of devotees who have enrolled for the arduous trek, an official said. So far, around 1.80 lakh pilgrims have registered. Around 2.20 lakh pilgrims had offered prayers last year.

 

[Hindustani78]

One of the first pictures of Ice-Shiva lingam at holy cave shrine of Amarnath.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
06-June, 2017 14:37 IST
Registration of Pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Yatra - 2017

Shri Amarnathji Yatra -2017 from 29th June to 7th August this year

The process of registration of pilgrims for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017 has commenced from all the Bank Branches from March 01, 2017 onwards. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board chaired by the Governor, Jammu and Kashmir has issued following procedure for registration of yatris through bank:-

1. The registration and issue of Yatra Permit (YPs) will be done on first-come-first-serve basis.

2. One Yatra Permit shall be valid for registering only one Yatri.

3. Each Registration Branch has been allotted a fixed per day/ per route quota for registering the Yatris. The Registration Branch shall ensure that the number of Yatris registered does not exceed the allotted per day/ per route quota.

4. No one below the age of 13 years or above the age of 75 years and no lady with more than six week’s pregnancy shall be registered for the Yatra.

5. Every Yatri will have to submit Application Form and Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) to obtain Yatra Permit for the Yatra. The Formats of the Application Form and CHC, and the list of Doctors/ Medical Institutions authorized to issue CHC are available at SASB’s website- www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.

6. The Application Form and CHC shall be made available free of cost to the applicant-Yatri by the Registration Branch.

7. To apply for the Yatra Permit, the applicant-Yatri will submit the following documents to the Registration Officer:

a) filled-in prescribed Application Form; and

b) prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after Feb 10, 2017 by the Authorized Doctor/ Medical Institution.

c) four passport sized photographs ( three for Yatra Permits and one for the Application form).

8. The Registration Officer shall check the following:

a) whether the Application Form has been correctly filled-in and signed by the applicant Yatri.

b) whether the CHC has been issued by the Authorized Doctor/ Medical Institution;

c) whether the CHC has been issued on or after February 10, 2017.

9. The specific day on which a pilgrim is registered to undertake the Yatra (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) has been printed on the Yatra Permit. The day printed on the Yatra Permit is the day on which the Yatri will be allowed to cross the Access Control Gates at Baltal and Chandanwari (Pahalgam).

10. The Bank Branch shall ensure that the date for which the Yatra Permit is issued for crossing the Access Control Gates matches with the day (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) printed on the Yatra Permit before issuing the Permit to the Yatri.

11. In the Yatra Permit Forms, the Yatra year and date of Yatra has not been printed. Therefore, it is mandatory for the issuing Bank Branch to stamp / write the Yatra year and date of Yatra and paste the date and year so written/ stamped with a transparent tape (pasting of transparent tape is important in order to make the date and year of Yatra tamper-proof). However, the stamping of the date, year and Bank branch shall be done only at the time of issuance of the Yatra Permit. In no case, should any Yatra Permit be stamped in advance. This aspect be ensured positively.

12. If the Application Form and CHC are in order, the Registration Officer shall issue a YP to the applicant against a payment of Rs.50/ per Yatra Permit (of the aforesaid amount Rs.35/- will be remitted in SASB’s account and the remaining amount shall be retained by the Bank) after following the steps mentioned in paras 13-16.

13. The Registration Officer shall affix passport size photographs and fill in the Yatra Permit Form on the spot as per the details mentioned in the Application Form and the CHC. The date of the Yatra be also filled in correctly.

14. The Registration Officer shall sign the Yatra Permit and apply the Bank Branch Seal on the Yatra Permit in such a way that the Seal is partly imprinted on the photograph of the applicant-Yatri and partly on the YP. However, the stamping of the date, year and Bank Branch shall be done only at the time of issuance of Yatra Permit, in no case, should any Yatra Permit be stamped in advance. This aspect be ensured positively.

15. Before issuing the Yatra Permit to the applicant-Yatri; the Registration Officer shall record the following particulars:

a. Date of issue of Yatra Permit

b. The Serial Number of Yatra Permit.

c. Name, address and telephone/mobile number of the applicant Yatri.

d. Name of next –of-kin of applicant-Yatri, to be contacted in case of any emergency.

e. Route of Pilgrimage.

f. Date of embarking on the Yatra from Baltal/Pahalgam.

16. The Registration Official shall issue YPs bearing BALTAL for Baltal route and PHALGAM for the Phalgam Route.

****

Ministry of Home Affairs
06-June, 2017 16:04 IST
Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017


Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has issued following Do’s and Don’ts for the Yatris:


Do’s for the Yatris


1. Do carry sufficient woolen clothing as the temperature may sometimes abruptly fall to below 5 degree Celsius.


2. Do carry umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable.


3. Do keep your clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet.


4. Do keep in your pocket a note containing the name / address, mobile telephone number of any Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date as you are doing, for emergency purposes.


5. Do carry your identity card / driving license and Yatra permit with you.


6. Do travel in a group, with porters / horses / ponies carrying your luggage.


7. Do ensure that all those comprising the group remain in your sight, lest you are separated from your group.


8. On your journey home, you must leave the Base Camps along with all other members of your group.


9. Do seek immediate assistance of the Police in case any member of your group is missing. Also have an announcement made on the Public Address System at the Yatra Camp.


10. Do help your fellow Yatris travelling with you and perform Yatra with a pious mind.


11. Do strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration, from time to time


12. For any assistance, contact SASB Camp Directors / nearest Yatra Control room.


13. In case of any accident or emergent situation, immediately contact the nearest Camp Director / Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) deployed at various locations.


14. The gates of Access Control at Domel and Chandanwari open at 05.00 am and close at 11.00 am. Reach the gates on time. No Yatri shall be allowed to undertake pilgrimage after the closure of the Gate.


15. Free food facility is available in the entire Yatra area at the Langars.


16. Do follow the prescribed Food Menu available on the Board’s website: www.shriamarnathjishrine.com while having food in the Yatra area.


17. Pre-paid SIM Cards from other States shall not work in J&K and Yatra area. Yatris can purchase pre-activated SIM Cards at the Base Camps of Baltal and Nunwan.


18. Earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva. Therefore respect the

environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area.




Don’ts for the Yatris


1. For women Yatris: They must not wear sarees during the Yatra. Salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit is advisable.


2. Women who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.


3. Children below 13 years in age and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.


4. Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Walk only on the tracks.


5. Don’t walk barefoot or be without woolen clothing at any time as the temperature in the Yatra area remains low and changes abruptly.


6. Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Only wear trekking shoes with laces.

7. Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so is dangerous.


8. Don’t commence journey on an empty stomach. If you do so, you may attract a serious medical problem.


9. Don’t do anything during the entire Yatra which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the area.


10. Do not bring with you any polythene material as its use is banned in J&K and is punishable under law

11. Avoid throwing coins, currency notes, decorative chunnis, brass lotas or any other material towards the Shivlingam while having Darshans at the Holy Cave.


12. Do not stay at Holy Cave overnight in view of high altitude and harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.


13. Do not leave Panjtarni Camp towards Holy Cave after 3.00 PM as no darshan is allowed at Holy Cave after 6.00 PM.


14. Please visit the website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and watch the informative Video documentary to get familiarized with the difficulties to be faced on the Yatra route.


15. In case of any query related to Yatra, please contact us at

01912503399 and 01912555662 (Jammu) 01942501679,

01942591821(Srinagar) and website: www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.



*******


Ministry of Home Affairs
06-June, 2017 16:06 IST
Health advisory for Yatris During Shri Amarnathji Yatra

The Pilgrimage to Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14000 feet. Yatris may develop High Altitude Sickness with following symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness and difficulty in sleeping, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction, bowl dysfunction, loss of coordination of movements, paralysis on one side of the body, gradual loss of consciousness and mental status changes, drowsiness, chest tightness, fullness, congestion, fast breathing and increased heart rate. If high altitude sickness is not treated timely, it may be lethal in a matter of hours.





Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has issued the following Health Advisory for the Yatris:


Do’ s for prevention of High Altitude Sickness.


1. Do prepare for the Yatra by achieving Physical Fitness – it is advisable to start a preparatory Morning/ Evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at least a month prior to the Yatra.


2. Start deep breathing exercise and Yoga, particularly pranayam for improving oxygen efficiency of the body.


3. Do check with your physician prior to travelling to higher elevations, if you have any existing pre-existing medical conditions.


4. Do walk slowly while ascending and take time to acclimatize-, relax for a short while on steep inclines.


5. Do avoid exerting beyond your normal capacity.


6. Do take compulsory rest at various locations and ensure time logging and take ideal walking time mentioned on the display boards while moving towards next location.


7. Do check with your physician prior to taking any medications.


8. Do drink lots of water to combat dehydration and headaches – about 5 liters of fluid per day.


9. Do follow the prescribed food menu – available at Shrine Board’s website, Shriamarnathjishrine.com – when having food in the Yatra area.


10. Do consume plenty of carbohydrates to reduce fatigue and prevent low blood sugar levels.


11. Do bring portable oxygen with you as it is helpful in case you have difficulty in breathing.


12. Do descend immediately to a lower elevation, if you start having altitude illness symptoms.


13 In case there is any change in the status of your health after having obtained Compulsory Health Certificate some weeks earlier, do consult your doctor before embarking on the pilgrimage.


14. In case of any signs of high altitude sickness or any other discomfort, immediately contact the nearest medical facility located at every 2 kms.



Don’ts for prevention of High Altitude illness.



1. Don’t ignore the symptoms of high altitude illness.


2. Don’t drink alcohol, caffeinated drink, or smoke.


3. Don’t ascend any further if you have altitude illness. Instead, descend immediately to an elevation where you can acclimatize.


4. Don’t accept everything a sick Yatri says since his/ her judgment is impaired.


****

 

[CBU-105]

@Gibbs


lol

 

[Gibbs]

@Gibbs


lol

The OP is a tool who just spams the whole section with useless threads daily

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/paki...tion-attempts-foiled-in-5-months-2013935.html

Srinagar Pakistan has increased infiltration bids in Jammu and Kashmir just ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Though the Army and security forces have foiled 22 infiltration attempts and killed 34 armed intruders in different sectors near the Line of Control (LoC) since January, it is estimated that around 25 to 35 militants have managed to sneak into Kashmir Valley.

Earlier in the day, a resident from Anantnag was injured in Banihal of Jammu region when unknown terrorists fired on two security force vehicles that were moving ahead of his car.


Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on June 29, passes through Banihal to enter Kashmir.

In an another incident earlier today, one civilian was injured in a cross-fire between terrorists and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel in the Qazigund area.

Reports coming from Gurez sector say that today afternoon the security forces foiled an infiltration bid at Gurez sector and killed one terrorist. The security forces have recovered weapons from the dead terrorist. The operation was underway at the time of filing this report.

On June 3, one Indian Army soldier was killed in an attack by terrorists on a convoy in Qazigund. Two others have been injured while two other personnel are critically injured.

On the same day, one civilian was also injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch sector.

Defence officials say that Pakistan is desperate to push terrorists into the Kashmir. Valley. The Pakistan Army continues to provide active support to the terrorists, including cover fire, from Pakistan army posts at the LoC.

According to defence officials, in the past 48 hours, infiltration attempts have been foiled at Gurez, Machhil, Nowgam and Uri sectors. Seven armed infiltrators have been killed so far. Large quantity of arms, ammunition and war-like stores has been recovered.

 

[StraightShooter]

Worshiping naturally formed ice stalagmite as the Lingam (phallus) of Shiva at Amarnath cave.

Hindus worship Prakruti (nature - the prime material energy of which all matter is composed) as manifestation of Maa (mother) Parvati wife of Lord Shiva.

We worship rivers, mountains, animals, humans, sun, moon, celestial bodies and everything that you could think of.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/sushma-swaraj-flags-off-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-2017-2014181.html

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims bound for the annual Kailash Mansarovar yatra for this year.

Swaraj told the pilgrims to take care to not "sully" the route leading up to Kailash Mansarovar during the holy journey.

"The reverence we have for Lord Shiva, we should have similar respect for his abode. Therefore, please do not sully the road that will lead you to Lord Shiva," she told the pilgrims at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan here.


A total of 1,430 devotees will undertake the pilgrimage in 25 batches this year. Eighteen batches, each comprising around 60 pilgrims, will visit Kailash Mansoravar through the more arduous Lipulekh Pass route, while seven batches with 50 pilgrims each will take the newly-opened Nathu La route.

The yatra will continue for the next four months.

The MEA had received 4,442 applications this year compared to last year's 2,600. The pilgrims were shortlisted through a computerised draw of lots.

"In this first batch, we had selected 60 people but two of them couldn't clear their medical test and hence 58 people will go in the first batch," she said.

Swaraj said the Indian government was making constant efforts and improvements to make the journey more convenient for the pilgrims.

"But it is a gradual process and we are doing a bit more every year," she said.

Swaraj, who underwent a kidney transplant in December last year, asked the pilgrims to seek blessings on her behalf as well.

"I underwent the operation but by God's grace I could recuperate within months. Since you all are going to seek blessings of Lord Shiva, I'd request you to seek some blessings for me too as I myself haven't gone to Kailash Mansarovar, ever, and am not sure if I ever will," she said.

 

[Hindustani78]

30,000 paramilitary to guard Amarnath yatra routes
he security personnel will be deployed along the two routes during the pilgrimage to the high-altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

http://zeenews.india.com/india/30000-paramilitary-to-guard-amarnath-yatra-routes-2014993.html
PTI| Last Updated: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 21:02

New Delhi: Nearly 30,000 paramilitary personnel besides the local police will be deployed to ensure proper security for the Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir beginning June 29.

The security personnel will be deployed along the two routes during the pilgrimage to the high-altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

"Proper security arrangements will be put in place for the Amarnath yatra," a home ministry official said.


Nearly 30,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed besides the local police, the official said.

The pilgrimage will begin on June 29 and conclude on August 7. The shrine is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 12,756 feet and a distance of about 141 km from Srinagar.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which conducts the annual pilgrimage to the shrine, has issued advisories for the pilgrimage which involves a trek at an altitude of 14,000 feet.

People who wish to trek to the shrine must furnish medical certificates, it said, adding those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be allowed to join the pilgrimage.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi are likely to to pay obeisance at the shrine on the first day of the pilgrimage.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...et-army-convoy-in-kashmir/article19098392.ece

‘No threat to pilgrims’
Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani said on Sunday that there was no terror threat to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.

“The people of Kashmir have always been friendly and generous to visitors, especially the Amarnath pilgrims. They have treated the Amarnath pilgrims with unique hospitality,” he said.

“An adverse propaganda is being launched by the media suggesting that the pilgrims are facing a threat from the people of the State. Terror threat to the Amarnath Yatra is a brazen lie, aimed at maligning the people’s movement,” he said. He said the people of Kashmir “are not against any religion.” “Fanatical forces in India are desperate to give a bad name to the freedom movement and are relying on negative propaganda...”

 

[ito]

This time I see threat to Yatris from Jihadis. Government should provide adequate security for Yatris.

 

[Hindustani78]

This time I see threat to Yatris from Jihadis. Government should provide adequate security for Yatris.

Nearly 30,000 paramilitary personnel besides the local police will be deployed to ensure proper security for the Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir beginning June 29.

Each battalion has nearly 1,200 men.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
24-June, 2017 18:34 IST
Amarnath Yatra: NDMA conducts mock exercises to improve preparedness

In its efforts to improve preparedness and response mechanisms in the event of a disaster during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted mock exercises simulating various disaster scenarios, along the Amarnath Yatra route today.

The annual Amarnath Yatra to the cave shrine in south Kashmir will begin from June 29 and continue till August 7.

Simultaneous exercises have been conducted at critical areas along the Baltal and the Pahalgam-Chandanwari routes by NDMA experts Maj. Gen. V.K. Datta (Retd.) and Maj. Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Naik (Retd.). They trained the participants on key aspects of disaster management such as the formation of Incident Response Teams, coordination among various participating agencies, evacuation, medical preparedness and trauma counselling.

The exercises began with Co-ordination Conferences on Day 1 (June 21) followed by Table-top Exercises on Day 2 (June 22). Senior officials from all stakeholder departments such as the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Army, police, health, Civil Defense, transport, fire and other emergency services attended these preparatory meetings and participated in the mock exercises.

A debriefing exercise was conducted afterwards wherein the participants discussed the shortcomings and ways to address them.

NDMA has so far conducted more than 550 mock exercises across the country for various disaster situations with a State-level mock exercise on earthquake preparedness in Delhi on June 30, 2017 next on the list.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/mili...get-amarnath-yatra-intel-reports-2019187.html

Jammu: Militants are planning to target 100 policemen and as many pilgrims participating in the Amarnath Yatra which will begin from Jammu tomorrow amid the "highest- ever multi-tier security setup", according to intelligence reports.

"Intelligence input received from SSP Anantnag reveals that terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims and about 100 police officers and officials," IGP Kashmir Zone Muneer Khan said in a letter which was sent to the Army, the CRPF, and range DIGs in the state.

A copy of the letter sent to the 15 Corps Headquarters, Srinagar, got leaked and went viral on social media.


The 40-day-long annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas will commence tomorrow, Divisional Commissioner Mandeep Bhandari told reporters.

The government has mobilised a heavy security blanket of over 35,000 to 40,000 troops including the police, the Army, the BSF and the CRPF.

The first batch of over 4,000 pilgrims will be flagged off by the deputy chief minister for twin base-camps of Pahalgam and Baltal in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.

This year's yatra will be eight days shorter against the last years' of 48 days and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 7.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath shrine stands at 3,888 metres, 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal.

"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 IGP said in the letter which is being circulated in many groups on Whatsapp.

"The input is assessed to be a HUMINT (human intelligence) and it needs further corroboration," the IGP said in the letter, adding that at this stage the possibility of a sensational attack by a terrorist outfit cannot be ruled out.

All the officers and officials deployed on the ground need to remain alert and maintain utmost vigil, he added.

However, Khan later played down the letter, saying there was no need to panic as it was part of information being shared with agencies to check its authenticity.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP S P Vaid said someone has spread it on social media to create panic.

Asked about the intelligence issue, Special Director General of CRPF, S N Shrivastava said, "I will not like to discuss the issue in public but you are aware about the situation in Kashmir. We have taken measures as per the these intelligence inputs and have made appropriate security arrangements."

"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," Shrivastava, who visited base camp along with IG Ashkoor Wani, told reporters.

He also reviewed the elaborate security arrangements.

Replying to questions on security, the Special DG said, "All security arrangements have been made in view of the threat perception."

CCTV cameras, jammers, RoPs, dog squads, bullet-proof bunkers, QRTs, satellite tracking and other security gadgets are being used to maintain vigil in view of increased threat perception due to in increased terror incidents and violence in Kashmir.

In Bagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, over 3,000 pilgrims from different parts of the country have arrived for their onward journey to Lord Shiva's shrine.

"For the security of camps and pilgrim in yatra cavalcades, security has been put in place. Most of the pilgrims will go in convoys including private cars," he said.

Shrivastava said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in all camps, railway stations, Amarnath foot track and the cave shrine.

"This Amarnath yatra will have the highest-ever security setup to ensure an incident-free yatra," he said.

Apart from the existing CRPF in the state, the Centre has given over 250 additional companies of paramilitary forces to the state government. The BSF has deployed over 2,000 troops for the yatra. The Army has given 5 battalions and additional 54 companies of the police have also been mobilised.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said elaborate measures have been put in place for an incident-free yatra.

Over 2.30 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra.

Linking up joint control rooms with the MET Department and the District Disaster Management Units has been done, officials said.

The deployment of Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) of the state police along with rescue teams of various security forces, deployment of well-equipped fire fighting teams at pre-determined points has also been done, they said.

Oxygen cylinders, ECG machines, defibrillators,oxygen concentrators, CPR machines, X-ray machines, ventilators, resuscitation sets have been installed and all required medicines are available are the hospital.

At Baltal Base Hospital, Shrivastava interacted with doctors deputed from Safdarjang Hospital, Delhi, who are already treating the local residents and service providers.

Residential accommodation and mess facilities for about 250 medical personnel, including those arriving from different parts of the country, to provide medical assistance for the pilgrims have also been put in place.

 

[Hindustani78]

Leap of faith: A file photo of pilgrimage in progress
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/threat-to-amarnath-yatra/article19155973.ece


‘Highest level’ of security mobilised after intelligence warning
The annual Amarnath yatra in Kashmir beginning on Wednesday is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning which has prompted the authorities to mobilise the “highest level” of security measures, including satellite tracking system.

The 40-day-long pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath in the mountainous region of south Kashmir will commence from Jammu, about 200 km from the shrine.

Over 2.30 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra and the first batch of over 4,000 will be flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.

“Intelligence input received from SSP Anantnag reveals that terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims and about 100 police officers and officials,” according to a letter sent by Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) Muneer Khan to the Army, the CRPF, and range DIGs in the State.

“The input is assessed to be a HUMINT (human intelligence) and it needs further corroboration,” the IGP said in the letter.

At this stage, the possibility of a sensational attack by a terrorist outfit cannot be ruled out, he said.

“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 IGP said in the letter which is being circulated in many groups on Whatsapp.

All the officers and officials deployed on the ground need to remain alert and maintain utmost vigil, he added in the letter whose copy got leaked and went viral on social media.

Mr. Khan later tried to play it down, saying there was no need to panic as it was part of information being shared with agencies to check its authenticity.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP S.P. Vaid said someone had spread it on social media to create panic.