Shikargah, Jammu & Kashmir – The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has urged pilgrims heading to the Amarnath cave shrine to ensure their registration is valid before embarking on the yatra.
Sinha’s message, released through official channels on Monday, reiterated a policy that has been in place since the 2019 lockdown. The policy states that only pilgrims who have completed the online registration process and received a valid electronic confirmation can proceed to the Amarnath cave.
The registration requirement was introduced in 2020 as part of the state’s effort to control crowd sizes and streamline security operations at the shrine. It also serves to collect data on pilgrims for health and safety monitoring amid the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic.
In his appeal, Sinha warned that pilgrims without a confirmed registration would be denied entry at checkpoint gates near the cave. “We are committed to ensuring that the pilgrimage is conducted safely and in accordance with health guidelines,” he said. “Please make sure your registration is valid before you set out.”
The state government has maintained that the rule applies uniformly to all pilgrims, regardless of their place of origin. The policy has been enforced by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Border Security Force, who conduct checks at various entry points along the route to the cave.
The Amarnath Yatra has seen a gradual return of pilgrims after the pandemic‑related restrictions were lifted. In 2023, the state government reported that 1.45 million pilgrims visited the shrine, down from 1.8 million in 2019.
The registration system, operated through the official Amarnath Yatra portal, requires pilgrims to submit personal details, medical history, and a photograph. Once processed, a QR‑coded ticket is issued. Pilgrims are advised to keep the QR code on their mobile devices or print a hard copy for inspection.
Pilgrims who fail to present a valid ticket may be redirected to the nearest town or denied passage altogether. The state has also announced that it will conduct surprise checks to enforce compliance.
The move comes amid growing concerns about overcrowding at the shrine and the potential for health risks. The government has stated that the registration policy is a critical tool for managing crowd density and ensuring that medical services can be deployed efficiently.
The policy has faced criticism from some pilgrimage groups who argue that the registration process is cumbersome and that it disproportionately affects remote‑area pilgrims. However, the state government maintains that the system is designed to enhance safety and does not discriminate.
The next Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on 29 April 2026, with the final pilgrimage day on 12 May 2026. Pilgrims are urged to complete their registrations well in advance and to verify the validity of their tickets before departure.
Sources
NDTV, “Manoj Sinha: ‘Amarnath Yatra – Get Valid Registration’ – J‑K Lt Governor’s Appeal to Amarnath Pilgrims,” https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manoj-sinha-amarnath-yatra-get-valid-registration-j-k-lt-governors-appeal-to-amarnath-pilgrims-11727148#publisher=newsstand.
Story synopsis gathered from: NDTV – India News — source
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