Security forces launched searches along the routes of Baltal and Pahalgam leading to the shrine and recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives in the operations that have been going on for the past three days now, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, General Officer Commanding of Army’s 15 Corps, said.

PAK INVOLVEMENT SUSPECTED

The Corps commander said Pakistan was desperate to disrupt peace in Kashmir. “Last three to four days, we were getting specific and confirmed intelligence inputs that terrorists led by Pakistan and Pakistan Army are trying to target the Shri Amarnathji yatra,” he said.

ADDITIONAL TROOPS

On reports of additional troops being sent to the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said security personnel were on regular duty and that the media reports were “exaggerated”. The DGP, however, refused to give the exact number of additional troops being sent to the Valley.

OPPOSITION REACTS

Opposition parties — including the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party — said that the government’s advisory asking pilgrims to suspend the yatra will create fear and panic