(a) whether the threat of attacks during pilgrimages including Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is looming large in the country;
(b) if so, the action plan formulated by the Government in this regard to facilitate the completion of such pilgrimages;
(c) whether the Goverment has fixed any accountability to check such attacks;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reasons for concluding Amarnath Yatra 8 days in advance this year?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)
(a) to (d): All possible arrangements are being made by the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir duly supported by the Central Government by deploying additional security forces to strengthen the security of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. However, from 1990 to 2017 (till date), 36 terrorist attacks have been reported on Shri Amarnathji Yatris in which 53 Yatris were killed and 167 Yatris were injured.
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L.S.US.Q.NO.1568 FOR 25.7.2017
(e): The duration and schedule of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra is based on the decision taken by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board every year. The duration of the Yatra is limited to one side by the extent of snow fall in the preceding winter and on the other side by the date on which Raksha Bandan falls, on which date the Yatra is traditionally concluded. Therefore, the duration of the Yatra varies from year to year. In 2017, the Yatra commenced on 29th June and will culminate on Raksha Bandan which falls on 7th August. As such, Yatra 2017 is of 40 days. However, in 2016, the Yatra commenced on 2nd July and concluded on day of Raksha Bandan which fell on 18th August and therefore, the Yatra was of 48 days.
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