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JAMMU, INDIA, July 4, 2002: Requests for extending the duration of the annual Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) had been received from many quarters, however Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Girish Chandra Saxena, announced Tuesday the yatra cannot be extended, citing security considerations. “We too would like to extend the yatra by a few days, but the present security environment does not permit us to do so. Maybe once the situation improves we would be able to take a decision in this regard,” Saxena said. To minimize problems, yatra permits would be issued from all branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and tourism offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kokata and Chennai. Saxena, who chairs the yatra board, said the state government has taken steps to ensure tight security during the month-long yatra that begins on July 20 for the expected 150,000 pilgrims. “We have already launched combing operations. We are sanitizing the route and also watching the heights. We would make if difficult for someone who is out to create mischief to sneak in,” he said. Pilgrims have been killed in past years by Muslim militants.

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