L-G orders crackdown on fake Amarnath Yatra registrations, reviews security and pilgrim facilities

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday cracked down on fake registrations for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, directing the police to take strict legal action against travel agents involved in fraudulent bookings, even as he reviewed pilgrim facilities and security arrangements at Nunwan and Chandanwari.

Sinha, along with senior officials, visited the Nunwan Base Camp and reviewed the management of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Advertisement

The Lieutenant Governor chaired a meeting with administrative and security officials and discussed key aspects of the pilgrimage, including the movement of pilgrims, security measures, accommodation facilities, registration progress, and other logistical requirements essential for ensuring a hassle-free Yatra.

Expressing serious concern over reports of certain travel agents facilitating fake registrations, which resulted in pilgrims arriving for the Yatra without proper verification, the Lieutenant Governor directed the police and the concerned authorities to identify such travel agents and take strict legal action against those found involved in fraudulent registration practices.

He said there had been a large influx of unregistered pilgrims and strongly urged those without prior registration to remain patient and wait for their turn. “This cooperation is essential for a smooth and seamless Yatra experience. Please remember that the daily pilgrim caps at both Chandanwari and Baltal are strictly fixed and cannot be increased,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to prioritise the safety, security and convenience of all pilgrims while ensuring that every devotee of Baba Barfani is made aware of the importance of obtaining valid registration for designated dates to minimise waiting time.

He also interacted with pilgrims and assured them that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all Yatra management departments were working tirelessly to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free spiritual journey.

The Lieutenant Governor directed officers to adopt a pilgrim-centric approach and ensure that no devotee faced any inconvenience. He specifically instructed that in cases where members of the same family arrived together but one member was unable to obtain registration while the others had valid permits, every possible assistance should be extended to facilitate the family’s pilgrimage together in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

At Chandanwari, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed the ground situation and pilgrim facilities at the camp to ensure the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He also visited the base hospital.

The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic, J&K; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department, and Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam Axis; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Anantnag; Anoo Malhotra, DG Rural Sanitation, J&K; and senior officers of the Shrine Board, civil administration, police and security forces.