Taking cognizance of alleged irregularities in on-spot registration of Amarnath pilgrims, the authorities in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district suspended four teachers, officials said on Wednesday.
An official spokesman said that the “District Administration Ganderbal has taken cognisance of certain irregularities which occurred in connection with the on-spot registration process for Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrims at the Manigam Transit Camp”.
He said the matter is currently under investigation, and appropriate action would be taken against anyone found to be involved.
The Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal, suspended four teachers with immediate effect after receiving a communication to the effect from the nodal officer, transit camp Manigam.
The suspended teachers have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, Aabid Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Peer Mudasir, and Gowhar Rashid Kullu.
The official spokesman said that on-spot registration is available at the Baltal Base Camp, subject to the production and verification of all prescribed documents and fulfilment of the requisite eligibility criteria.
All pilgrims are advised to obtain registration only through the authorised registration centre and to follow the official procedure, he said.
“Pilgrims are further requested not to fall prey to touts, middlemen, or unauthorised persons claiming to facilitate registration or offering any unauthorised assistance in return for money or other consideration,” the spokesman said.
The District Administration has appealed to all pilgrims to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or instances of malpractice to the concerned authorities at the base camp or the District Control Room Ganderbal (0194-2416260/261/229).
The administration remains committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and hassle-free registration process for all pilgrims, the spokesman added.