2002 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre

The 2002 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre refers to the tragic attack that took place on July 1, 2002, near the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, India. During this event, a group of armed militants ambushed a convoy of Hindu pilgrims returning from the revered site, resulting in the deaths of over 30 individuals, including several women and children. The attack shocked the nation and exacerbated communal tensions in the region, which had been marred by violence due to ongoing conflict. In the aftermath, security measures for pilgrims were heightened, and widespread condemnation of the assault was expressed across India. The massacre remains a poignant reminder of the sectarian strife and the dangers faced by pilgrims in conflict-affected areas.