Amarnath Yatra on-the-spot registration opens Tuesday

Jammu: The distribution of tokens for on-the-spot registration of pilgrims participating in the annual Amarnath yatra will begin on Tuesday in Jammu, with the registration process set to start the following day, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas said here on Monday.The 57-day annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine is scheduled to begin on July 3 from two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter yet steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first group of pilgrims will depart from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on July 2.”Ten token counters have been established at the Tawi riverfront, and token distribution will begin transparently from 6 am on Tuesday. Registration and RFID issuance and registration for token holders will commence from the next day”, he told reporters here.Minhas mentioned that extensive arrangements have been made to facilitate the pilgrims, including improved registration facilities, accommodation, sanitation, security, and traffic management.

“For the convenience of pilgrims, our token centre, along with e-KYC and RFID registration counters, will operate at the Tawi Riverfront. Registration counters will also function at Geeta Bhawan, Ram Mandir and Bhagwati Nagar, as in previous years,” he said.He said the administration has created comprehensive facilities at the venue, including accommodation for around 4,000 pilgrims, more than 100 toilets and bathing units, round-the-clock community kitchens (langars), bedding, fans and other essential amenities.

“We have left no stone unturned in our preparations. Whether it is security arrangements or pilgrim facilities, every effort has been made to ensure a comfortable stay for devotees in Jammu,” Minhas said.He appealed to the people of Jammu to extend their traditional Dogra hospitality, urging transport operators, traders, shopkeepers, and hoteliers to treat every pilgrim as a guest and refrain from overcharging.”This is not the time for overcharging. If you encounter a lost pilgrim, please guide them to the right place. Even offering a glass of water reflects the generosity for which Jammu is known,” he added.

Minhas emphasised the administration’s desire for Jammu to be recognised as more than just a transit point for the pilgrimage.”Jammu is the city of temples. We want pilgrims to spend time here, visit our markets, explore tourist and religious sites and experience our culture and cuisine. We will soon unveil a new initiative to encourage pilgrims to visit places such as Bahu fort, Ranbireshwar temple, Raghunath temple, Akhnoor fort and the retreat ceremony at Chakan da Bagh,” he said.The deputy commissioner assured that normal life in the city would remain largely unaffected during the yatra, as no roads would be closed this year.

“In previous years, road closures caused inconvenience to both pilgrims and residents. This year, despite extensive arrangements, no roads will be closed, and normal movement in the city will continue,” he said.Minhas stated that the Tawi riverfront would serve as the main facilitation centre for pilgrims and urged residents to direct visiting devotees to the venue. “Two entry points have been provided from the railway station side, including one from the Narwal side, with registration counters set up at both locations”.Clarifying the token distribution process, he said that every pilgrim must collect the token in person, and only one token would be issued to each eligible pilgrim.

“Everyone, including family members, will have to stand in the queue individually. Children below 13 years and persons above 70 years are not eligible to undertake the pilgrimage, as per the prescribed norms,” he said.Regarding complaints about fake tokens and registration scams, Minhas warned of strict action against anyone found deceiving pilgrims.”Some unauthorised centres issue coupon cards for particular dates after collecting money from pilgrims. Strict action was taken against such operators in previous years, and the same will be done this year. Anyone, whether local or from outside Jammu and Kashmir, found indulging in such activities will face stringent action,” he added.