It is undeniable that managing the affairs of Shri Amarnath Yatra is a tedious job as it requires a massive logistical exercise that demands immaculate planning, disciplined participation and a phenomenal synergy between the government agencies and the pilgrims. What is the most important aspect in conducting this Yatra smoothly and safely is the strict adherence to established procedures.
It is intriguing that this year the administration is facing some issues on account of pilgrims coming before their scheduled dates and few others are visiting J&K even without the mandatory registration, the process for which was started well before the commencement of the Yatra for the convenience of all. A couple of days before LG Manoj Sinha has made an appeal to the people to show restraint and don’t proceed for the Yatra before their stipulated dates as mentioned in the registration slips as the authorities were facing trouble because accommodating the ones who have arrived ahead of their scheduled dates and without registrations was not possible.
In this context, Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a fresh public advisory urging yatris to strictly adhere to the prescribed registration process and safety guidelines to ensure a smooth, safe and well-organised pilgrimage. This advisory reiterating the importance of advance registration, compliance with daily pilgrim limits and observance of safety guidelines, serves as a timely reminder that the success of the Yatra depends as much on public cooperation as on administrative preparedness. Faith must be accompanied by responsibility, for only then can the pilgrimage remain safe, orderly and spiritually enriching for every devotee. The devotees should understand that daily pilgrim limits remain in force in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court.
Therefore, it is important for the devotees to complete their advance registration before travelling to Jammu and Kashmir and to undertake the pilgrimage only on the date mentioned in their registration permit. The Tatkal (on-the-spot) registration is available only in limited numbers and is subject to availability. The people should understand that this Yatra will last up to August 28 and therefore it is unnecessary to come ahead of stipulated dates and create chaos.
Such an irresponsible behaviour will create distasteful situations for all the stakeholders including the genuine yatris, the ones who have come without registration or ahead of the scheduled dates, and the authorities manning the affairs of the Yatra. It is important to take a lesson from the pilgrims who have been following the guidelines in precisely perfect manner to contribute in making this Yatra successful in all terms. There is no fun in becoming a spoilsport when the administration has ensured all the arrangements with a guarantee of safety and convenience.
The need of the hour is to act responsibly and wait for the turn to have spiritually blissful Darshan of Baba Barfani.
