Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Management, Urges Pilgrims to Travel Only with Valid Registration

Srinagar, July 4 (ANB): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall management, security preparedness, and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, directing all stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination for the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau Pankaj Thakur, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, along with senior officers of the Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and other concerned departments. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed key aspects of the Yatra, including the movement of pilgrims, traffic regulation, security deployment, accommodation facilities, registration status, and overall logistical arrangements aimed at ensuring a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage. During the review, it was observed that an unusually large number of devotees have been arriving without valid registration, leading to prolonged waiting periods and operational challenges. Emphasising strict adherence to the prescribed pilgrim ceiling on the Yatra routes in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, the Lieutenant Governor said compliance with the registration schedule is essential to safeguard the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims. He reiterated that only pilgrims holding valid registration for the designated date will be allowed to proceed on the tracks leading to the Holy Cave Shrine. Appealing to intending pilgrims who have not yet completed the registration process, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to defer their travel by a few days to avoid inconvenience upon reaching Jammu and Kashmir. The administration has advised all prospective pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey. Pilgrims travelling without confirmed registration will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. Reviewing the overall security and logistical framework, the Lieutenant Governor directed all departments and security agencies to maintain close coordination and continuous liaison with Langar organisations, service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure the pilgrimage remains safe, secure, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees. ANB