Amarnath pilgrims are often targeted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir due to the pilgrimage’s historical and religious significance for Hindus. The high visibility and symbolic nature of the Yatra make it an attractive target, compounded by logistical challenges that make providing security difficult, especially given the large gatherings of pilgrims.
Here are 10 notable attacks on Amarnath pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir:
9 June 2024: Terrorists targeted a bus transporting pilgrims to the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple in the Reasi district. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, with 33 others sustaining injuries as the bus plunged into a deep gorge.
May 2022: Terrorists planted a bomb on a bus traveling from Katra to Jammu, resulting in the death of four Vaishno Devi pilgrims and injuring 24 others as the bus caught fire.
10 July 2017: Seven Amarnath pilgrims died and 15 were injured in a militant attack on a bus with 56 passengers at Botengo village near Anantnag, South Kashmir, on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
21 July 2006: Terrorists attacked a bus near Beehama, Ganderbal, killing five pilgrims returning from the Amarnath Yatra at the Baltal base camp.
6 August 2002: Lashkar-e-Taiba militants attacked the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam, killing nine people, including six pilgrims and three civilians.
20 July 2001: A terrorist attacked a pilgrim camp near Sheshnag Lake, killing 13 people, including pilgrims and local staff, with grenades and gunfire.
2 August 2000: In the deadliest attack in Amarnath Yatra history, terrorists targeted the Pahalgam base camp, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, including 21 pilgrims and seven local shopkeepers. Sixty others were injured during the two-hour assault.
28 July 1998: Terrorists attacked Amarnath pilgrims at the Sheshnag campsite, resulting in 20 deaths.
2 August 1994: In August, terrorists attacked the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Pahalgam, killing five pilgrims and injuring many. This marked one of the initial attacks on the pilgrimage, which has faced subsequent episodes of violence.
15 August 1993: Militants attacked an Amarnath shrine convoy, killing eight pilgrims, highlighting growing risks during the annual yatra.
The Amarnath Yatra in India is a major pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees annually. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, it’s not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, leading to the cave believed to be Lord Shiva’s abode. Starting in July and lasting about a month, devotees endure challenging terrain and weather for blessings. It’s a time of deep devotion, rituals, and prayers, embodying a revered Indian spiritual tradition.