Thousands of residents leave Kashmir after warning of attacks

Thousands of Indian tourists, pilgrims and workers began leaving Kashmir after local authorities warned of possible militant attacks. 

India says it has killed five militants who tried to attack the army. Indian security officials claim to have evidence of the attack planned by Pakistani military-backed militants on Hindu pilgrims in Muslim-majority Kashmir. 

Local government orders effectively stop pilgrimage activities and ask them to return home. Indian defense spokesman based in Srinagar Colonel Rajesh Kalia said there were several attempts by militants based in Pakistan to disturb peace in Kashmir and target pilgrims.

"Around five to seven militants were killed while trying to attack Indian troops near the Kieran area," Kalia said. 

He said weapons and ammunition were found in the operation. "The security forces will continue to respond to all evil activities," Kalia said. 

A Pakistani defense spokesman denied the accusations were propaganda and lies. Local government officials in Kashmir explained that local government appeals caused panic and triggered the return of thousands of Indian tourists, pilgrims, and workers. 

The official did not specify exact figures but said most of the 20,000 Hindu pilgrims and Indian tourists and 200,000 Indian workers had left the region.

Kashmir is claimed by India and Pakistan and is the location of conflict between the two countries. Tensions increased after vehicles loaded with explosives crashed into a convoy of Indian police on February 14 to kill 40 paramilitary police and trigger air conflicts between the two countries. 

India accuses Pakistan of funding armed militants and separatist groups in Indian territory. Pakistan denies the accusation. Pakistan only stated that it provided diplomatic and moral support to the separatist movement in the Indian territory. 

The Pakistani government insists it is worried about the situation in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Islamabad also rejected Indian intelligence estimates of a possible imminent attack.

Photo from: Reuters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) of Pakistan has voiced that concern in a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and the President of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

India's appeal was issued after local authorities in Kashmir said a mine with Pakistani information was found in ammunition seized after reports of possible attacks on routes used by Hindu pilgrims to the Amarnath cave each year. 

"The appeal sparked panic between people and visitors here. Kashmir has experienced the worst time but we as government officials do not know what is happening, "said local government officials in Kashmir. 

In a khawatri atmosphere, some people try to save their basic needs and long lines can be seen in front of the refueling station, ATMs and medical shops in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.

"More than 6,000 passengers left Srinagar by plane on Saturday (3/8)," said a statement from the Indian Airport Authority. { Source }