Srinagar: Accepting the decline in registration for the Amarnath Yatra after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha on Thursday assured full security for the yatra, which is going to start from 3 July, and appealed to the devotees to participate in large numbers.At a press conference at Raj Bhavan, Sinha said that pilgrims registrations had fallen by 10.19% compared to last year, blaming the drop for the Pahgam massacre. He said that before the attack, the pace of registration was encouraging, about 2.36 lakh pilgrims signed up for the journey, which ends on 9 August.LG said that Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) had started a re -verification program for pilgrims, who had registered before the Pahalgam attack on 22 April. He said, “So far 85,000 pilgrims have re -confirmed their registration after consulting SASB,” he said, and hopefully the number will increase in the coming days.Sinha unveiled the security scheme, assured the devotees about security, and also gave details of advanced infrastructure along with routes to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.He said that with the deployment of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPS), and J&K police, a multi -level security grid was placed. “Integrated commands and control centers have been established, and weakened spots have been identified for concentrated security measures,” he said. He advised the pilgrims to move to the nominated convoy for security reasons. Even those coming to their own vehicles were advised to go to the convoy, they maintained.LG said several new initiatives were initiated, including a comprehensive insurance scheme, which included not only Yatris, but also Poniwalus and other service providers. However, the helicopter service was recently suspended this year due to chopper accidents and security concerns, revealing. He said that this would not affect the overall flow of the journey as only a small percentage pilgrims used helicopter service.Sinha said that SASB has developed several pilgrim-centric facilities in the last two years, including widening both travel routes as well as widening up to 12 feet. The safe Yatra track is designed with a strong safety handrail with a Baltal track and a weak share of more than 20 km on the Pahgam track. He said that there will be power connectivity in the tracks and camps to the holy cave and from there to the claw.SASB passenger foundation complexes in Baltal (800), Nanwan (900) and Panth Chowk (1000) will increase the housing for pilgrims. He said, “Digital pre-paid systems will be available to pilgrims to hire various services such as pony, pithu and palanquin.”In the holy cave, the wooden philosophy platform has been replaced with a stainless steel platform with a wooden floor. He said, “Now, pilgrims will be able to see together in four lines. It will facilitate better and troublesome,” he said.Responding to a query, whether it would allow the elected government to say one in administrative matters of the journey, LG said that he would hold a separate meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the matter.He said that the people of Kashmir had always welcomed Amarnath Yatras with heat and unique hospitality. He said, “There is no alternative to the Kashmiri spirit of reception. Let us continue this tradition and ensure that the journey is safe, peaceful and successful for all,” he said.
