A popular, month-long Hindu pilgrimage to a holy cave in Kashmir begins July 12, and authorities are requiring all pilgrims to buy life insurance because of the risk of attacks by Islamic militants. Officials expect some 150,000 pilgrims this year, up from 116,000 last year, and the army is on high alert to prevent attacks that have killed 59 pilgrims the last three years. Tensions are especially high because of an attack on an Indian army post that killed 12 soldiers June 28. Any travelers contemplating the pilgrimage to Amarnath cave that begins in Jammu should know the risks before going.
