Friday 2 August 2019

Tourists told to cut visits short after India orders troop build-up in Kashmir

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Tourists told to cut visits short after India orders troop build-up in KashmirIndian authorities on Friday told tourists to leave Kashmir because of "terror threats", as media reports said 25,000 military reinforcements have been sent to the troubled Himalayan region. The extra troops and other security measures, including a call to stockpile food and fuel, have shaken the Muslim-majority region, which is also claimed by Pakistan. Long lines of cars formed outside petrol stations while residents queued at food stores and bank cash machines to get emergency supplies. The Jammu and Kashmir state government said that because of "intelligence inputs of terror threats" against a huge Hindu pilgrimage and "the prevailing security situation", pilgrims and tourists should leave "immediately". India's military head in Kashmir, Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, said a sniper gun and a mine with Pakistani markings had been found on the route of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage that draws hundreds of thousands of Hindus each year. "This proves Pakistani attempts to attack the Yatra," said Singh, who has 500,000 forces in Kashmir battling a three-decade insurgency. India and Pakistan divided Kashmir when they became independent in 1947 and have fought two of three wars since over the territory. The Indian government has admitted that 10,000 extra troops were sent to Kashmir a week ago. Media reports Friday said a further 25,000 had been ordered there. Kashmir's police chief, Dilbagh Singh, called the new figure "exaggerated".




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