10% drop in Amarnath Yatra registrations post-Pahalgam attack: L-G

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the number of registrations for the Amarnath Yatra has declined by 10.19 percent than last year, said Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday. Sinha, however, added that the number of registration was increasing now.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the L-G assured pilgrims that complete security arrangements had been made for the yatra, which begins from July 3.

He said last year, the Amarnath Yatra had witnessed the highest number of pilgrims in 12 years. A large number of devotees were registering even this year before the April 22 attack.

“After the unfortunate incident, there was a slight decline in registrations. In comparison to last year, registrations have reduced by 35,000-40,000 (10.19 percent). However, the rate is increasing now,” he said.

As many as 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered before the Pahalgam attack. These people were asked to give confirmation for the yatra, and more than 85,000 people have confirmed their participation so far.

The L-G highlighted that facilities for the pilgrims had increased over the last few years. “The road used to be four to five feet wide and there were many vulnerable spots. In the last two to three years, the road has been made 12-feet wide,” he said.

Sinha refused to answer questions about terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam attack and were yet to be eliminated. However, he assured pilgrims that all security arrangements have been made for the yatra.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces together, have done a very good job. Several meetings of officials from the Raj Bhavan to the Home Ministry have been held to ensure a safe yatra.

“Whether it is area domination, number of mountain rescue teams, three-tier security in the base camp or deployment, more police officers as well as CAPF personnel have been deployed than the previous years,” he said.

Sinha urged the devotees to come along with the convoy so that they could reach safely and comfortably.

In a question on the impact of the April 22 attack, Sinha said he was hopeful that the tourists’ confidence would increase after the success of the Amarnath Yatra. It would boost tourism, business and local economy, he added.