Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra not to travel without valid registration, as an unusually large number of unregistered pilgrims have caused congestion and delays. The appeal was made during a high-level review meeting on Saturday to assess the overall management of the pilgrimage.
Unregistered Pilgrims Cause Congestion
A spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir administration stated that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, leading to long waiting times for those undertaking the yatra. The observation was made during a meeting chaired by L-G Sinha, which also reviewed security arrangements, traffic management, accommodation, and other logistical aspects.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed ceiling on pilgrim movement along the tracks, in compliance with Supreme Court directions. "Therefore, adherence to the registration schedule is imperative for ensuring the safety, security and convenience of all pilgrims," the spokesperson said.
Only Registered Pilgrims Allowed
It was reiterated that only pilgrims possessing valid registration for their designated date would be allowed to proceed on the routes leading to the holy cave shrine. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to intending unregistered pilgrims to defer their travel for the next few days to avoid inconvenience on reaching Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration urged all intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey. "Pilgrims are requested not to travel without confirmed registration, as they shall not be permitted to proceed on the yatra," it said.
Social Media Videos Show Long Queues
In a post on X, Sinha appealed to devotees to undertake the pilgrimage only after obtaining a valid registration permit for their allotted date. Several videos circulating on social media show long queues and security personnel preventing pilgrims without valid registration from proceeding. An official said the issue has resulted in overcrowding at the yatra base camps.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said the yatra has been progressing smoothly. He clarified that only registered pilgrims would be issued the mandatory RFID cards and permitted to proceed, while the Tatkal quota remains limited. He also appealed to pilgrims arriving before their allotted date to undertake the pilgrimage only on their scheduled day to avoid inconvenience.
Political Reactions and Suggestions
People's Democratic Party leader Zuhaib Yusuf Mir said it was deeply disappointing to see some pilgrims circulating videos alleging police excesses and lack of cooperation. "While every genuine grievance deserves to be heard and addressed, these narratives appear false and exaggerated and, in certain cases, seem more like propaganda than an accurate reflection of the overall situation," he said.
Mir also suggested introducing better crowd regulation, saying the huge influx places pressure on resources and the fragile environment. "We wholeheartedly welcome the yatris and pray for a safe and successful pilgrimage. Let us ensure that the spirit of this sacred journey is not undermined by misinformation," he added.
