The tension in Kashmir has been building up for over a week

• The government of Jammu and Kashmir just asked pilgrims visiting the state on the Amarnath Yatra to leave as soon as possible because of ‘terrorist threats’.
• Over the past week, the Indian government has deployed a total of 38,000 additional troops in the state.
• Indian Air Force (IAF) planes have been seen flying overhead, including the C-17 heavy lift aircraft normally used to transport troops from one location to another.

The government in Jammu and Kashmir, issued a security notice asking pilgrims visiting the state on the Amarnath Yatra to evacuate as soon as possible amid reports of ‘terrorist threats’.

"A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," stated Lt General KJS Dhillon, Commander of the Chinar Corps, at a press conference in Srinagar.

The build up

Over the past week, an increasing number of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) troops have been deployed in the region. Initially, it was 10,000 additional troops followed by another 28,000 on Thursday.

In the last four days, more than 238 companies of paramilitary forces have also been pressed into service in the Kashmir Valley.

Not to mention the Indian Air Force (IAF) jets spotted flying overhead. But, minimal explanations have been offered to explain why. The C-17 heavy lift aircraft has also been seen making frequent trips and it is normally used to transport troops from one part of the country to another.

IAF planes flying over the valley were a part of ‘normal activity’ according to source who spoke to TOI.

Summer vacations have been preponed and educational institutions have been shut down for 10 days starting August 1.

When questioned, the Union Home Ministry told NDTV that the deployment of troops was based on the security situation in the state and requirements of rotation, adding that that such things are not discussed in the public domain.