J&K administration urges unregistered pilgrims to defer Amarnath Yatra amid unusually large influx

SRINAGAR: Expressing concern over what it described as "an unusually large number" of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims arriving without valid registration, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said only pilgrims possessing valid registration for the designated date will be permitted to proceed on the tracks leading to the holy cave shrine.Sinha appealed to the intending unregistered pilgrims to defer their travel for next few days in order to avoid any inconvenience upon reaching Jammu and Kashmir.Sinha Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall management and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.The meeting was attended by chief secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP J&K Nalin Prabhat; Special DG Coordination PHQ S.J.M.Gillani and other senior officials.Sinha reviewed the movement of pilgrims, traffic management, security arrangements, accommodation, registration status, and other logistical aspects to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.“During the meeting, it was observed that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, which is causing long waiting time for pilgrims to conduct Yatra,” the Lok Bhawan spokesman said.

They added that Sinha emphasized that the Yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed ceiling of pilgrim movement on the Yatra tracks, in pursuance of Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders. “Therefore, adherence to the registration schedule is imperative for ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims.”“It was reiterated that only pilgrims possessing valid registration for the designated date shall be permitted to proceed on the Tracks leading to the Holy Cave Shrine,” the spokesperson said.The spokesperson said that the administration has asked all intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey to Jammu and Kashmir.“Pilgrims are requested not to travel without confirmed registration, as they shall not be permitted to proceed on the Yatra.”Sinha reviewed the security and logistic arrangements for the Yatra.“He directed all departments and security agencies to keep working in close coordination and to maintain continuous liaison with all stakeholders, including Langar organizations, service providers and other NGOs for a safe, seamless, spiritually enriching and fulfilling Yatra,” the spokesman said.Meanwhile, DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat also chaired a Union Territory-wide security review meeting at police control room Kashmir to review the security and logistical arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.“The participating officers presented a comprehensive review of the security arrangements, traffic management plan and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe, secure and smooth conduct of the Yatra,” the police spokesman said.Directing all agencies to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness, Prabhat emphasised seamless inter-agency coordination and intensified area domination and night domination exercises, particularly along the National Highway, critical road corridors and Yatra routes.He also directed field formations to enhance surveillance and maintain a close watch on inimical elements across Jammu and Kashmir to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace.The DGP instructed officers to ensure strict verification of identity credentials and effective utilisation of the RFID-based tracking system for real-time monitoring of registered yatris.He further directed that issues relating to unregistered yatris be handled proactively and humanely in close coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, while ensuring that only duly registered pilgrims are permitted to undertake the Yatra in accordance with the prescribed protocols.Reviewing disaster preparedness, the DGP directed all agencies to keep contingency plans and adequate resources in readiness to effectively respond to any weather-related disruptions by ensuring timely evacuation, shelter, medical assistance and other essential support.He also emphasised robust security and seamless assistance for both tourists and pilgrims across the Union Territory.