Security tightened at Amarnath route; 503 pilgrims leave for shrine

Jammu, July 29 (UNI) Security arrangements have been tightened in the city including sensitive installations, temples and dharamshalas here in view of recovery of high grade explosive from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit's hideout at Srinagar and its plan to target Jammu-Srinagar national highway and Amarnath pilgrims.

Police sources told UNI tight security arrangements are already in place and alert is being maintained.

The HM plans to target the national highway and Amarnath came to light with the arrest of three militants and recovery of 250 kg of high grade explosive from hideout at Bijbehara.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 503 pilgrims today left from here for Darshan of the shivlingam at holy cave shrine in the Himalayas.

Official sources told UNI that a batch, comprising 264 men, 49 women, two children and 188 sadhus, amidst chanting religious hymns and slogans, was given a warm flag off at MA Stadium in the morning.

Sources said the pilgrims left in a convoy of 16 vehicles including 13 heavy and three light vehicles under tight security arrangements.

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