In view of the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujarat government has decided to provide security to Amarnath bound pilgrims from Gujarat. Minister of state for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said that the Congress ridiculed its earlier circular asking tour operators organizing Amarnath Yatra to arrange for bullet-proof jackets for the pilgrims. Gujarat Transport department issued a circular to tour operators and pilgrims not to travel to Amarnath without bullet-proof jackets. However tour operators demonstrated in different parts of the state pointing out that the costly bullet-proof jackets were beyond their means and demanded the government to provide for the security of pilgrims visiting Amarnath.
Jadeja said that the government has decided to withdraw the circular on the bullet-proof jackets and promised to arrange for security cover of pilgrims. Ridiculing the decision, a Congress spokesman said that on one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about 10 Pakistani heads if it dared to kill one Indian soldier, on the othr, he was surrendering to terrorists from across the border instead of eliminating ultras to ensure a safe Amarnath pligrimage.