This year, the number of pilgrims registering for the Amarnath Yatra has fallen by over 10%, marking a noticeable decline compared to last year. Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, shared insights into the reasons behind this drop, attributing it largely to security concerns following recent incidents.
Enthusiasm for Registration Was High Before Pahalgam Attack
According to Sinha, registrations for the sacred pilgrimage were booming until April 22, when more than 2.36 lakh devotees had signed up to undertake the journey. However, the mood shifted drastically after a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam on April 22, dampening enthusiasm and prompting many to reconsider their plans. Following a follow-up survey, over 85,000 pilgrims confirmed they still intended to participate, reflecting a 10.19% decrease in confirmed registrations from the initial count.
Restoring Pilgrims’ Confidence Through Enhanced Security
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, alongside security forces, has worked diligently to restore the faith of the devotees. “The atmosphere across the valley was severely affected by the Pahalgam attack,” he noted. To reassure pilgrims, extensive security measures have been deployed throughout the region.
The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and will continue until August 9. Authorities have made safety a top priority to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage.
Three Layers of Security at the Base Camp
Sinha detailed that the Amarnath Yatra base camp will be protected by three distinct security layers. Security personnel are currently conducting rehearsals and mock drills to prepare for the event. Besides the police, additional forces have been deployed, and all service providers involved in the Yatra have undergone thorough verification.
One significant operational change this year is the cancellation of the helicopter service, which previously served about 8% of the pilgrims. The Lt. Governor explained that this cancellation will have minimal impact on overall Yatra participation.
As the sacred journey approaches, authorities remain committed to ensuring that devotees can undertake the Amarnath Yatra with renewed confidence and peace of mind despite recent challenges.