‘Registration holders to get priority, RFID cards mandatory’
Srinagar, Jul 04: Amid an overwhelming rush of devotees for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said nearly 26,000 pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy cave shrine so far, while authorities intensified efforts to regulate the pilgrimage in accordance with the Supreme Court-mandated daily ceiling.
Addressing a press conference here alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi , the Div Com said the administration was witnessing a massive influx of yatris, including a significant number arriving without prior registration.
“The Supreme Court has fixed a ceiling on the number of pilgrims who can undertake the Yatra each day. Our entire mechanism is functioning within that framework to ensure safety, smooth movement and better management of the pilgrimage,” he said. “So far, 26000 pilgrims performed the darshan at the holy cave shrine and the pilgrimage is smoothly going from both tracks.”
Garg said online registration for the pilgrimage had commenced on April 15, and a majority of devotees had already registered in advance. He added that registered pilgrims were being issued RFID cards after completing mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities.
“We are noticing that many yatris are reaching Kashmir without registration. Only registered pilgrims are eligible for RFID cards, which are essential for undertaking the Yatra,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner said the administration was giving priority to devotees who had completed advance registration, while the Tatkal quota remained limited and subject to availability.
“The Tatkal quota depends on how many registered pilgrims are unable to undertake the pilgrimage on their allotted dates. Unregistered yatris may have to wait for a few days before they can proceed,” Garg said.
He further clarified that pilgrims registered for specific dates, including those scheduled for darshan on July 15 or later, would have to wait for their designated turn instead of attempting to proceed earlier. “Appropriate information is being disseminated among yatris at all levels. Our effort is that every devotee who wishes to have darshan of Baba Barfani should opt for online registration and patiently wait for their allotted date,” he added.
Authorities have intensified awareness campaigns and coordination measures across transit camps and registration centres to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage amid heavy turnout and heightened security arrangements.
