Amarnath strike: Intelligence had warned of attack on June 25

Monday's terror strike on the bus ferrying Amarnath pilgrims could have been avoided after all! Had the bus driver complied with the rules set by the Amarnathji board and the Indian security forces, things would have turned out differently. Inside reports, as revealed by the Times of India, suggest that the intelligence bureau had warned the CRPF and the J&K police about the impending danger at a state multi-agency coordination meeting. 

The alert had clearly stated, "Intelligence input received from Anantnag SSP reveals that terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100 to 150 yatris and about 100 police officers. The attack may be in the form of standoff fire on (a) yatra convoy which they believe will result in flaring of communal tension throughout the nation." It also said, "The nature of the input needs corroboration at this stage but the possibility of a sensational attack can't be ruled out. All the officials deployed on the ground need to be directed to remain alert and maintain utmost vigil. All out efforts need to be undertaken to nab the terrorists planning such attempts of violence."

It is also said that the alert was revealed in a note by IG (Kashmir zone) Munir Khan and was discussed with investigators from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Haryana which send the maximum number of pilgrims. According to the official sources, the Vaishno-devi bound bus (GJ09Z 9976) started its journey at around 4:40 pm The distance from Srinagar to Vaishno Devi in Jammu is over 250 kilometers, which takes five to six hours to cover. According to passengers, the driver discovered a puncture at Sangam, which is 50 kilometers from Srinagar. The driver was, thus forced to stop and repair it before going onwards. This delayed the journey by an hour. Security forces cover the National Highway between 4am to 7pm, which is also the window fixed for protection of Amarnath Yatra buses. So, by the time, this bus took the national highway, there was no security and the bus was vulnerable. 

Not being a part of the convoy, the bus did not have any security cover. Moreover, only the government State Road transport buses, meant for the pilgrimage, are provided security and the private vehicles have to make their own arrangements. According to a police officer, "In reality, almost 90% of the yatra trips involve private players. Only those who cannot afford private buses take government transport and avail of the security. Most people hire SUVs or tourist buses and travel at their own convenience. The Amarnath yatra is generally a part of overall tourism to J&K. Since the government hasn't issued any advisory against travelling at night, tourists travel at their own convenience."
 

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