Amarnath Yatra goes on despite terrorist attack

Amarnath Yatra will continue and security agencies will provide full cover to pilgrims to the holy shrine despite the terrorists attack on a bus in Ananthnag district that left seven pilgrims dead and several others injured, authorities said today.

Amid heightened security, a group of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims also left for Batal and Pahalgham early today.

Following the terrorists attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, authorities also suspend internet and broadband services in the region. The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries declared a shutdown in Jammu today, which was supported by political parties.

''India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate,'' Prime Minister narendra Modi tweeted.

Meanwhile, security forces investigating the dastardly terror attack on Amarnath Yatris have confirmed the role Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba in the incident.

Though, LeT has categorically refused to take responsibility for the gruesome attack, the investigations so far have indicated towards its involvement in the incident.

Investigators also suspect it to be a joint operation of the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Talking to reporters, Jammu and Kashmir IGP Muneer Khan said, ''Attack on Amaranth was pilgrims carried out by LeT.''

We have also identified the mastermind behind the attack. He is a Pakistani terrorist Ismail. We are trying to obtain more leads in this regard, Khan added.

Police claimed the bus driver had disregarded the guideline that pilgrims' vehicle should not ply on the highway after 7 pm. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway was shut down and a manhunt was launched.