July 4: More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during the first two days of the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference along with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Garg said the Yatra, which commenced on July 3 via the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal, has been progressing smoothly with elaborate arrangements in place for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
He said the administration has ensured adequate facilities along the pilgrimage route, including accommodation, healthcare services, drinking water, shelters, lighting, and disaster response teams to provide a safe and comfortable journey.
The Divisional Commissioner said the administration is strictly adhering to the daily pilgrim ceiling prescribed by the Supreme Court. Only devotees holding a valid registration for their allotted date are being allowed to proceed towards the Holy Cave Shrine.
Garg noted that a large number of pilgrims have been arriving in Jammu and Kashmir without prior registration, leading to avoidable inconvenience. He urged such devotees to wait for their scheduled date and advised intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory online registration well in advance before starting their journey.
He also clarified that the Tatkal registration quota is limited and is available only against vacancies created by registered pilgrims who fail to report. The administration, in coordination with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and other departments, is making every effort to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage for all devotees.
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