Amarnath pilgrimage attack spurs Delhi Police to tighten vigil for for Kanwar Yatra

New Delhi: In the wake of the Amarnath Yatra terror attack, the Delhi police have asked its officers to take special anti-terror measures for the ongoing annual pilgrimage of the kanwariyas those who carry the holy Ganga water home in pitchers.

“Adequate security arrangements be made at Kanwaria halting points. QRTs (Quick Response Teams) may also be deployed strategically along the route and on halting points,” Deputy Commissioner of Police PS Kushwah said in an advisory issued on Monday.

The confidential advisory issued by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police asked officers to put in place proper anti-terror arrangements at all vital installations and high footfall areas in the city – markets, malls, Metro stations, railway stations and airport, among other places.

“The concerned staff may be briefed verbally and necessary anti-terror measures be taken during ‘Kanwar Mela’ to prevent any untoward incident,” the advisory read.

The Kanwar Yatra began on Monday, then the first day of the Hindu month of Shravan, and will conclude on July 21. During the period, hundreds of thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva carry pitchers of the holy Ganga water on their shoulders from Hardwar to their home towns and villages.