Hindus begin trek to Kashmir cave shrine amid fear of militant attack

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

CHANDANWARI, India (AFP) — Some 1,200 Hindu pilgrims set out on a risky trek in Indian Kashmir to a cave shrine high in the Himalayas amid tight security to guard against possible Muslim militant attacks.

Nearly 12,000 soldiers, paramilitary troops and police were guarding the icy pilgrimage route to the Amarnath shrine along which about 150,000 Hindus from around the world are expected to travel over the next 45 days.

The arduous annual procession to the shrine, revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction paving the way for creation, has been the target of attacks by guerrillas battling Indian rule in the disputed region in the past and security officials said they were taking no chances.

"Security is foolproof," said paramilitary...