Shrine Board reviews ongoing Amarnathji Yatra

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board met here today under the chairmanship of Governor N.N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Board. The meeting reviewed the ongoing Yatra and expressed satisfaction over the strenuous efforts made under the Governor's sustained direction for ensuring satisfactory management of the pilgrimage despite serious constraints arising from the heavy snowfalls in the preceding winter and bad weather for several weeks before the commencement of the current Yatra which commenced on 25th June 2012.

The Board Members, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Justice (Retd) G.D. Sharma, Dr. (Prof) Ved Kumari Ghai, Sunita Narain and Vijay Dhar visited the holy cave shrine early morning alongwith Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, to pay obeisance and to inspect the arrangements made for the Yatris. The Board Members interacted with the Yatris and Doctors running the Medical Aid Centres (MACs) to review, the obtaining arrangements for providing suitable treatment to the Yatris.

The Board meeting, attended by the CEO and the Additional CEO, Preet Pal Singh, expressed satisfaction over the enlargement of the network for the Registration of pilgrims. The Board was informed that 4,07,815 pilgrims had secured Registration uptil 22nd July 2012 as against 2,59,897 Yatris during the entire Yatra 2011 in which 6.35 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the Shrine. The Board was further informed that as against 99,315 pilgrims who had secured On-Spot Registration during Yatra 2011 as many as 93,902 had secured On-Spot Registration up to 22nd July 2012 in the ongoing Yatra.

After detailed discussion, the Board observed that while the Registration process had gained considerable headway and a significantly higher percentage of the pilgrims were arriving only after procuring Registration based on Health Certificates, further efforts would be required to ensure that 100% pilgrims arrive after procuring Registration based on valid Health Certificates in future Yatras.

As regards the casualties suffered by pilgrims, the CEO reported that, on the basis of statistics being maintained by the Shrine Board, as uptil 23rd July evening 90 pilgrims had lost their lives, 84 due to medical reasons and 6 on account of accidents within the Yatra area. Besides, 22 pilgrims had lost their lives outside the Yatra area, of whom 18 were killed in accidents.

The Board was informed that consequent to the directions of the Supreme Court in a recent Suo Motu proceeding, the Governor, as Chairman Shrine Board, had nominated Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi and Navin K. Choudhary, CEO, to represent the Shrine Board on the Special High Powered Committee (SHPC) established under the Supreme Court's order. Ms Narain will advise the SHPC on environmental issues.

The Board expressed grave concern and deep regret over Yatris losing their lives and desired the CEO to prepare a detailed critical report on the various contributory causes where after, as necessary, the Board may convene a Special Meeting to discuss this matter in full detail. The Board observed that while all necessary steps must be taken to ensure against loss of life in the coming years it is imperative to reckon the harsh climatic conditions of the high Himalayan altitudes through which the pilgrims have to trek. In this context the Board observed that the implications of early commencement of the Yatra would have to be seriously revisited.

The Board observed that more vigorous measures may require to be enforced to prevent the loss of pilgrims' lives.

The Board expressed satisfaction over the measures taken to ensure progressive improvement in sanitation and maintaining of cleanliness at all Camp locations and along the tracks. In this context, Chairman requested Sunita Narain to pay an early visit to the Yatra area, before the conclusion of the ongoing pilgrimage to review the sewage treatment at first hand and advise regarding further improvement.

Chhari Mubarak to leave for holy cave on Saturday

‘Chhari-Mubarak’, Holy Mace of Lord Shiva will start its journey from Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on Saturday for a final darshan of self-made Ice-Shivlingam in the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas on Sawan Purnima (Rakshabandhan) day on August 2.

With this the annual pilgrimage, which commenced on June 25, will culminate and Chhari Mubarak will start return journey.

The Holy Mace will remain at its abode in the Dashnami Akhara temple till July 27 for the darshan of the devotees, said Mahant of Chhari Mubarak Mahant Deepinder Giri.

Mahant Ji, who performed traditional Chhari-Pujan on the occasion of Nag Panchami in the temple yesterday, which houses the Holy Mace said hundreds of saint (Sadhus), locals and other devotees participated in the special prayers and had darshan of Holy Mace of Lord Shiva.

The devotees also participated in religious function (Bhajan-Keertan) programme on the occasion till late in the evening.

He said the journey of the Chhari Mubarak will start from here on July 28.

The Chhari Mubarak will pass through various temples en-route to holy cave.

Traditional worship Pujan will also be performed at Surya temple Sonwar, Durga Nag temple Srinagar, Shiv temple at Pampore, Shiv temple Bijbehara, Martand Tirth Mattan, Ganeshbal and will stop for night stay at Pahalgam.

The Chhari-Mubarak will leave Pahalgam the next day and make a night halt at Chandanwari and then onward journey to Sheshnag, Panchtarni and finally for holy cave shrine on the Sawan Purnima.

Traditional rituals will be performed and prayers shall be offered the whole day at Holy cave. However, before dusk, Chhari-Mubarak start return journey and will have night halt at Panchtarani.

From Panchtarani, Chhari-Mubarak will leave at 0700 hrs for night halt at Pahalgam.

Worship (Pujan) and immersion ‘Visarjan’ ceremonies will be performed at 0915 hrs on the bank of river Lidder in Pahalgam. Thereafter, traditional ‘Kari-Pakouri’ religious feast Bhandara will be organized for saints (Sadhus).

With this last ritual, annual pilgrimage of Amarnath will culminate.

Chhari-Mubarak will return to its abode at Srinagar.

Meanwhile 6,550 pilgrims performed darshan at holy cave of Swami Amarnath situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in South Kashmir today. With this the total number of pilgrims performing darshan in cave shrine has touched 5,90,214 during last 30 days.

A total number of 5.83 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan in the cave shrine till late last night and majority of them have returned to their homes states, an official spokesman said.

He said 569 pilgrims are staying at holy cave and they will perform darshan early tomorrow morning.

He said 2,507 pilgrims left from shortest Baltal track for holy cave this morning while 2,946 left the Nunwan –Pahalgam base camp via traditional Chandanwari track.

The yatris having night haltage at different camps also started their ongoing journey early this morning, he added.

This is the lowest number of pilgrims leaving from Nunwan and Baltal base camps for holy cave or performing darshan since the 39 day long yatra started on June 25.

Besides a fresh batch of 888 pilgrims comprising 545 males, 178 females, 16 children and 149 Sadhus left for the Amarnath Shrine in a convoy of 33 vehicles including 27 State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses, two private and four light motor vehicles, from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas an official spokesman said.

These yatris after a night halt at Baltal and Nunwan base camp will leave for holy cave tomorrow morning.

Finally the tough measures taken by the authorities have started yielding results as no yatri death was reported during the past 48 hours.

The toll is still 98 deaths, including two locals, a yatra official said today.

He said no yatra death was reported from any part of the yatra route.

Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma said the Government was planning to set up medical boards from next year, where doctors would examine yatris’ fitness before allowing them to undertake the pilgrimage.

This, he said, would be done with the consultation of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and others, connected with the annual pilgrimage.

Official sources said this has been because of strict measures taken by the authorities who had decided not to allow any unfit yatri to undertake the pilgrimage.

Near five lakh perform darshan in twenty two days

Two additional pilgrims died on their thanks to holy cave taking the death toll in ongoing yatra to eighty six whereas eighteen,000 pilgrims performed darshan of Swami Amarnath cave shrine at an altitude of three,888 metres in South Kashmir district of Anantnag nowadays, officers said.

With this the overall range of pilgrims visiting the cave shrine since the annual yatra started on June twenty five has touched four, 98,301. until late last night four.80 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan in holy cave.

The officers said the frenzy of pilgrims is constant and thousands of yatris from completely different elements of country and abroad are daily reporting at Base Camps of Baltal and Nunwan –Pahalgam for his or her onwards sojourn to holy cave.

They said a recent batch of eight,014l yatris left the Nunwan Base Camp for holy cave via ancient Chandanwari track whereas five,610 pilgrims left from shortest Baltal track early this morning for darshan of Ice Lingam.

They said besides the yatris who had night haltage at completely different camps conjointly left for onwards journey this morning. The pilgrims who left via Chandanwari track when an evening halt at Sheshnag and Panchtarni can perform darshan tomorrow or the day when tomorrow whereas people who left via Baltal tack came back when paying obeisance within the cave shrine. Over 4.70 lakh pilgrims have came back to their home States, they added.

The two additional pilgrims died nowadays on thanks to cave shrine. they need been identified as Badri Prasad, twenty five resident of MP and Shimatha Navral of Bihar. They died at Rail Pathri and at Sangam prime respectively when cardiac arrest. With this the death toll in last twenty two days of yatra has gone to eighty six.

Meanwhile a recent batch of 2351pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu Yatri Niwas for holy cave early this morning in a very cavalcade of sixty nine vehicles below tight security arrangements. They embrace 1519 male, 473 female, sixty one youngsters and 298 Sadhus.

These pilgrims when an evening halt at Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps can leave for holy cave early tomorrow morning.

The thirty-nine day long yatra can culminate on Sawan Purnima falling on August a pair of with the taking of holy mace of Lord Shiva to Swami Amarnath Ji by the Mahant of Dashnami Akahra, Deepender Giri Ji Mahraj. The day conjointly coincides with Raksha Bandhan pageant.

22000 perform darshan in Amarnath

Braving quick winds, drizzling and slippery tracks, 22,521 pilgrims drawn from completely different elements of country performed darshan in holy cave of Lord Shiva in South Kashmir district of Anantnag these days.

This was stated by officers camping at Baltal and holy cave.

With this, the entire variety of pilgrims performing darshan at cave shrine in last eighteen days since the yatra started on June twenty five has touched four,21,437. Over 3.98 lakh pilgrims had performed darshan in holy cave situated at a height of three,888 meters until late last night.

The officers said four additional Amarnath pilgrims have died these days taking the death toll throughout the continuing pilgrimage to seventy one.

They said Nirmala Tripathi, wife of Vidyadhar of UP died at holy cave this morning thanks to cardiac arrest. Another yatri identified as Shovna wife of Srikant Mahadev Acharya of Raigarh Maharashtra died at Panjtarni these days thanks to heart attack.

Prem Dulari wife of Mukand Lal Yadav of UP died at Baltal thanks to heart attack, they said, adding one unidentified body of a Sadhu was found at Sheshnag these days and he was shifted to Pahalgam for identification.

The officers said the weather remained cloudy for entire day and it absolutely was drizzling for a few time throughout the day and later within the evening. The tracks remained slippery for the complete day. but the yatra proceeded smoothly, they added.

The officers said a contemporary batch of 4600 pilgrims left Nunwan –Pahalgam base camp for holy cave via ancient Chandanwari track early this morning whereas 9070 left from Baltal via shortest sixteen kilometre track.

The yatris who left via Baltal track once performing darshan in cave shrine started their come journey whereas those from Chandanwari track once an evening haltage at Sheshnag and Panchtarni can perform darshan at holy cave tomorrow or the day once tomorrow.

The yatris camping on varied camps enroute to holy cave conjointly started their onwards sojourn this morning the officers said adding over three.90 lakh pilgrims have came thus far.

Meanwhile, amid tight security, a contemporary batch of three,434 pilgrims these days left for the Amarnath cave shrine. The pilgrims comprising a pair of,251 men, 840 women, ninety one kids and 252 ‘Sadhus’ left during a cavalcade of 104 vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu at around 0500 hours for Amarnath.

With today’s batch, as several as sixty four,477 pilgrims have left Jammu for his or her onward journey to the cave shrine.

Meanwhile, all the 4.40 lakh registered pilgrims are coated underneath cluster Insurance by the Shrine Board with the New India Assurance Company. Besides 20,000 laborers and thirteen,000 horses conjointly get the danger cowl.

This was stated by Dr Daleep Pandita, Divisional Manager of the corporate. He said during this regard a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed by the corporate with SASB for Rs one lakh insurance cowl to four.40 lakh registered yatris.

The theme can cowl their death thanks to every kind of accidents, be it a snake bite, drowning, electrical shock, slip/ fall from hill or mountain or unhealthy climatic conditions besides in case of death in road accident in J&K throughout yatra , he added.

Dr Pandita said SASB has already paid premium quantity to the corporate for his or her varied insurance covers covering yatris, laborers, animals, sheds, equipments, vehicles etc. the danger cowl starts as soon as pilgrim enters the state at Lakhanpur and last until he exits from the State.

Besides the insurance cowl of Rs one lakh, the yatri can get charges of Rs a pair of,000 for carrying dead body and education grant of Rs 5000 per dependent kid of the insured deceased underneath the theme, he added.

Amarnath Yatra Near one.5 lak1 lakh 50 thousand

Even when seven days of annual pilgrimage of Baba Amarnath ji in South Kashmir Himalayas, there had been no quiet in significant rush of yatris at the holy cave shrine. Today, 20,549 yatris performed darshan of holy Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva within the shrine taking total range of pilgrims having paid obeisance throughout last seven days of yatra to one.43 lakh. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) Director, Amarnath Shrine, BD Mengi said twenty,549 pilgrims these days paid obeisance before holy Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva in Shri Amarnath ji cave shrine. With this, total range of yatris having performed darshan of Lord Shiva’s Ice Lingam throughout seven days of yatra has gone up to one,42,976. over nineteen,000 pilgrims these days left shortest Baltal and ancient Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for holy Amarnath cave shrine, situated at thirteen,500 feet in South Kashmir Himalayas.

Official reports said ten,410 yatris, together with men, women, youngsters and Sadhus, left Pahalgam early this morning for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the normal route. However, a number of them, who were already camping at Chandanwari, joined them to proceed towards next halting station.

Similarly, yatris at completely different halt points enroute additionally started their onward journey this morning, whereas those that had darshan started their come back journey.

They added that eight,663 pilgrims left Baltal for the holy cave.

The authorities had created all arrangements for swish yatra on each tracks and base camps, they said.

A Met department spokesman said the sky would stay cloudy and there would be one or 2 spells of rains on each the tracks these days whereas there'll be no giant amendment in weather throughout next twenty four hours.

From Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu, eighth batch of four,268 pilgrims these days left for the holy shrine beneath tight security arrangements.

Amid chantings of ‘Bam Bam Bhole’, the contemporary batch of devotees left from Yatri Niwas base camp at five am.

The batch comprising 3009 males, 821 females, one hundred forty five youngsters and 293 Sadhus left in a very convoy of 156 vehicles together with forty three SRTC buses, thirty personal and eighty three light-weight cars.

With today’s batch, as several as twenty three,677 pilgrims have left Jammu in eight officers batches for his or her onward journey to the cave shrine.

Meanwhile, 5 a lot of devotees died thanks to cardiac arrest at Pahalgam and Baltal base camps raising the death toll within the ongoing annual Amarnath pilgrimage to nineteen.

Megha Gupta, aged twenty four years, a resident of Chandigarh, suffered a vast heart attack at Pahalgam last night whereas on her thanks to Amarnath cave shrine, police said.

64-year-old Jagbir Singh from Haryana and Rinku (55) from Tamil Nadu died at Sonamarg on shorter Baltal route, they said.

Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, 83-year-old Babu Singh died at Baltal base camp when paying obeisance, while, an unidentified man was found dead at Domail, police said.

With this, the death toll since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas rose to nineteen, they said.

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has been forced to open six on-the-spot registration counters as an outsized range of unregistered pilgrims had turned up at varied base camps of the annual yatra within the guise of tourists.

According to sources, SASB opened on-the-spot registration counters when an outsized range of unregistered pilgrims found Pahalgam and Baltal base camps on commencement of the pilgrimage to the 3880-metre high cave shrine.

"Hundreds of unregistered yatris managed to sneak through the protection barricades got wind of by police and CRPF en route the cave shrine. Stopping such a large range of individuals would have led to law and order problem", sources added.

While four counters are opened in Kashmir at Nunwan, Chandanwari, Baltal and Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar, 2 counters are opened in Jammu, they said.

Board’s CEO Naveen K Chaudhury admitted that on-the-spot registration counters are opened, however said there was absolute confidence of permitting unregistered pilgrims for the yatra.

"There were some issues on the primary day of the pilgrimage however not one unregistered yatri has been allowed to proceed towards the holy cave when that", Chaudhury said.

The CEO said the registration for the pilgrimage was still open and to this point over four lakh persons have registered themselves for the yatra.

Chaudhury appealed to the yatris to not embark on the pilgrimage while not securing a legitimate registration as this might cause inconvenience not solely to themselves however additionally to the opposite yatris.

Asked regarding the high range of deaths within the ongoing pilgrimage, he said the pilgrims aren't coming back ready for the arduous journey even if the SASB had disbursed a vast awareness campaign regarding the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’.

"The deaths have taken place even when deploying numerous doctors, paramedics and life saving equipment. The pilgrims don't escort previous acclimatization for this journey", he said.

He asked the devotees to right away contact the closest medical camps in case of any health issue to get timely medical attention.

21024 pilgrims perform darshan on Day six

As several as twenty one,024 pilgrims performed darshan at holy cave shrine of Amarnath ji in South Kashmir Himalayas these days taking total range of darshan throughout current year’s annual pilgrimage that started on June twenty five to one.22 lakh.

Meanwhile, 2 a lot of pilgrims together with a girl died enroute 3880 meters high cave shrine taking death toll throughout last six days to fourteen.

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) Director, Amarnath shrine, B D Mengi said twenty one,024 pilgrims these days paid obeisance before holy Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva in Shri Amarnath ji cave shrine. With this, total range of yatris having performed darshan of Lord Shiva’s Ice Lingam throughout six days of yatra has gone up to one,22,427.

According to a politician spokesman, the push of pilgrims is increasing day by day as thousands of yatris these days reported at base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for his or her onward pilgrimage to the holy cave.

He said weather was pleasant these days at Pahalgam and on each the tracks.

Meanwhile, a hearth broke out in a very personal tent outside the cave shrine of Amarnath ji, police said.

The blaze occurred thanks to leakage of gas within the tent outside the cave shrine last night.

The fire was doused inside minutes, they said, adding, the tent had minor damages.

More than seventeen,000 yatris left for Amarnath cave shrine this morning from Baltal and ancient Nunwan Pahalgam base camps.

According to yatra officers at Pahalgam and Baltal base camps, the pilgrimage was progressing smoothly.

They said ten,250 yatris, together with girls, youngsters and Sadhus, left Nunwan, Pahalgam for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the normal route.

Yatris at completely different halting stations en route additionally started their onward journey this morning whereas those that had darshan started their come back journey.

They said seven,142 pilgrims additionally left Baltal for the holy cave.

The authorities have created all arrangements for swish yatra on each tracks and base camps, they said.

A Met Department spokesman said the sky would stay cloudy and with one or 2 spells of rains on each the tracks these days. there'll be no giant amendment throughout future twenty four hours.

A contemporary batch of three,348 pilgrims these days left for the holy Amarnath cave shrine from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here beneath tight security arrangements this morning.

The batch comprising 2199 males, 922 females, seventeen youngsters and 148 Sadhus left the bottom camp at five am for Amarnath give way a convoy of 127 vehicles, together with forty SRTC buses, twenty eight personal and fifty nine light-weight cars.

Meanwhile, 2 a lot of pilgrims, together with a girl, died en route Amarnath cave shrine.

Forty-year-old Rekha, a resident of Gujarat, died of cardiac arrest at the shrine last night, officers said.

Hailing from Haryana, Jagbir Singh, aged 64, died of a vast heart attack at Panjtarni on ancient Pahalgam route yesterday, they said.

With this, the death toll since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage rose to fourteen, the officers said.

Uma Bharati to steer VHP sponsored Amaranth yatra from June three

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharati can lead Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) -sponsored parallel Amarnath pilgrimage on June three from Jammu and she or he would be joined by an outsized range of Sadhus drawn from completely different elements of the country.

"Uma Bharati can reach Jammu on June two and next morning once performing prayers, she is going to lead thousands of yatris continuing for Amarnath shrine," Surinder Jain, VHP international spokesperson told reporters here this morning.

Dr Jain said Uma Bharati are among Mahant Rameshwar Dass and Ram Swaroop Dass besides an outsized range of Sadhus throughout the yatra.

"Thousands of Sadhus, Mahants and activists of VHP can assemble at Jammu base camp to proceed for Baltal on June three," he said and added that the yatra can leave for Baltal on June three at any price to perform darshan next day on Jesht Purnima.

"The State Government ought to cooperate for swish conduct of yatra," he said, adding supporters from Kathua, Ramban, Samba, Udhampur and Sunderbani leading their processions also will reach Jammu on a similar day.

"After performing prayers, the batch can leave for Baltal and therefore the initial darshan are performed at Amarnath cave on June four," he added.

Rejecting the Government’s official date of yatra, VHP leader said that the yatra can begin from June four and not on June twenty five as stated by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

He said thousand s of Bajrangis can reach here on June two to require half within the yatra next day.

He said in case any try was created to prevent the yatra on June four the yatris can begin protest then and there. Warning the govt. ‘s move to use force against pilgrims he said the yatris can begin a Jail Baro Andolan in such how that the authorities can fail in need of jails to accommodate the protesters, he added.

He said besides Jammu yatra will also be started from Kashmir Valley on June three within which Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs will participate.

100 Post Offices start registration of pilgrims

Till yesterday, 1,37,096 Yatris had registered themselves for this year's Amarnath Yatra, of whom 70,158 have most well-liked the standard Pahalgam route, while 66,911 have opted for the Baltal route. This was informed by Navin K. Choudhary, Chief govt Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) here these days.

While the registration for the Yatra through net based mostly on-line facility and thru the designated Bank Branches had commenced from might seven, the registration through the designated a hundred Post Offices began these days.

The Chief govt Officer revealed that Union Ministry of Communication and data Technology had agreed to intending Yatris registering the date and route of their pilgrimage from registration counters in a hundred selected Post Offices located in seven States - Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Post Offices that are providing registration facilities are located in districts Akbar Pur, Faizabad, Rosebery, Sultanpur, Bulandshar, Khurja, Mainpuri, Ghazipur, Pratapgarh, Amroha, Bijnor, Rampur, Azamgarh, Barirumpur, Gonda, Banda, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Lal Ganj, Sitapur, Dhampur, Hardoi, Khori, Hapur, Gorahkpur in Uttar Pradesh; Betul, Chattapur, Damoh, Mandla, Sagar, Sidhi, Vidisha, Ratlam, Shajapur, Dhar, Bhind, Mandsour, Katni, Dewas, Neemuch, Morena, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh; Dadar, Osmanabad, Sholapur, Latur, Parbhani, Satara, Nanded, Yavatmal, Dhule, Ratnagiri, Chandrapuram, Sangli, Akola, Buldhana, Amravati, Wardha in Maharashtra; Aurangabad, Gaya, Buxar, Siwan, Katihar, Jehanabad, Banka, Gopal Ganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Chapra, Samastipur, Ara and Sitamarhi in Bihar; Kheda, Mahesana, Godhra, Patan, Amroli, Junagarh, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surindranagar, Bharuch, Valsad, Navsari, Gandhinagar, Nadiad, Dohad in Gujarat; Sangrur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Ropar in Punjab; and Sonipat, Bhiwani, Jind, Sirsa and Narnoul in Haryana.

The list of Bank Branches are already obtainable on the web site of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. the main points of the Post Offices also can be seen on the Board's web site.

Last year, the registration facility for the annual Yatra was obtainable through designated 149 Bank Branches and also the J&K Bank's net based mostly registration facility. This year, the registration facility for the Yatra is out there through any of the 274 Registration Counters - 121 J&K Bank Branches, forty nine YES Bank Branches, four Bihar Central Co-operative Bank Branches, a hundred Post Offices, and thru the On-line facility on J&K Bank's web site, jkbank.net.

The Board has been able to substantially expand the registration facility to variety of hitherto uncovered cities and cities. Consequently an oversized variety of the intending Yatris won't ought to travel long distances to register for the pilgrimage, Mr Choudhary said.

The designated thirteen J&K Bank Branches for registering Yatris are located at Dalgate, Batamaloo, and Karan Nagar in Srinagar, Tourist Reception Centre, Bakshi Nagar and Gandhi Nagar in Jammu, Ramban, Doda, Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and Poonch, the CEO said.

For getting their Yatra allow, the Yatris can ought to submit the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner, at the side of the filled-in Application kind. The format of the appliance kind and Compulsory Health Certificate are often downloaded from Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board's web site.

The Yatris securing e-Yatra allow via net based mostly registration facility obtainable at the J&K Bank's web site can ought to submit his Compulsory Health Certificate at Base Camps, Baltal or Pahalgam, and obtain his e-Yatra allow stamped by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board officers before being allowed to proceed beyond Chandanwari and Baltal, the CEO informed.

He said that the Yatri who secures a price ticket to travel by helicopter isn't needed to separately register and acquire a Yatra allow for enterprise the Yatra. However, Yatris who travel by helicopters ought to submit their Compulsory Health Certificate before being allowed to board the helicopters. Chief govt Officer suggested that, to avoid any inconvenience, all Yatris ought to secure their Yatra allow earlier and build their travel arrangements accordingly to embark on the pilgrimage on the day and from the route that they need been registered.

Amarnath yatris to get SIM cards

This year pilgrims undertaking the annual yatra to Amarnath shrine can procure a short-term ‘yatra card’, a pre-paid SIM which will have a validity of seven days.

The Union Home Ministry has given in-principle approval for having such a facility, the first time since mobile operations started in the country, in view of problems faced by pilgrims who do not have mobile connectivity, official sources said.

At a recent meeting, it was reasoned out that many people undertaking the pilgrimage possessed pre-paid mobile connection, which according to the security regulations enforced in Jammu and Kashmir will not work in the state.

It was agreed that pilgrims arriving at Jammu, Pahalgham in south Kashmir or Baltal in northeast of Kashmir from June 25 can avail the option of pre-paid SIM cards, the sources said.

They said a SIM card given to a pilgrim will be working for seven days after being issued and there will be no provision of recharge after that.

This service will be provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited only and major private telecom players like Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, Aircel and Idea have been asked to provide an inter-connectivity for this purpose, the sources said, adding an agreement would be arrived shortly between BSNL and private operators.

Pilgrims opting for a pre-paid SIM will have to provide their Unique Identification number or attested copies of their residence proof, the sources said.

115 organizations 274 centers for Amarnath Yatra registration

Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organizations (SABLO) held a gathering and distributed a hundred and fifteen Permission letters by Shrine Board to the members of the organizations for fitting langars throughout the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra.

On the occasion, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Chief government Officer (CEO), Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), was the chief guest, who distributed the permission letters to the langar organizations, in presence of Rajan Gupta, general secretary, Vijay Thakur, president, SABLO, Subhash Kansal, president, Om Parkash Gupta, general secretary of Shri Hanuman Sewa Sangh, Delhi, Pawan Saboo and Anand Parkash Gupta, were additionally gift.

At the outset, Rajan Gupta, general secretary, presented the welcome address and highlighted the activities of the SABLO.

Navin Kumar Choudhary, in his address informed the members that the method of registration of yatris for this year can start on might seven through 121 designated branches of J&K bank, forty nine branches of YES bank and four district cooperative banks.

He additionally informed members that recently an agreement has been reached with Posts and Telegraphs and registration of yatris are done at one hundred post offices raising the whole variety from 149 last year to 274 registration centers this year.

He additionally informed that helicopter rates are reduced by forty per cent this year and efforts are on to supply 500-700 additional medical workers together with specialist doctors to supply timely medical aid to the sick pilgrims to avoid casualties.

Vijay Thakur, president, SABLO, urged the CEO to carry joint meeting of the officers deputed to manage the yatra and therefore the camps heads of langar organizations for higher co-ordination between the officers and volunteers of NGOs for the graceful conduct of the yatra. The CEO assured that the meeting are organized before the beginning of the yatra.

Dinesh Garg of Shiv Bhakti Sewa Trust and Anand Parkash Gupta additionally addressed the gathering.

At the end, Vijay Thakur, presented vote of thanks.

Amarnath Yatra reaches 5.72 lakh

SAYSS holds meet

To take stock of the case with regard to the non-implementation of an agreement reached out between the Samiti and also the Government approach back within the year 2008, a gathering of the chief body of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangrash Samiti (SAYSS) was convened at Geeta Bhawan underneath the chairmanship of Brigadier Suchet Singh, convener of the Samiti.

During the meeting, the implementation of the agreement was mentioned threadbare and also the members expressed their anguish over the apathetic angle of the govt.. it had been unanimously resolved to require immediate steps to handle the problems already agreed within the agreement.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Suchet Singh expressed his want to alleviate him from the responsibility of convener, that the body members unanimously accepted and in his place Pawan Kumar was entrusted to require over the charge of the convener.

Those who attended the meeting were Romesh Sabharwal, Prof Narender Singh, Dev Raj Baru, Jagdish Dogra and lots of others.

Togadia warns against curtailment of Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra Politics

Shri Amarnath Yatra Weather forecasting facilities to be upgraded

To ensure higher forecasting of weather scenario for the sleek conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2012, many initiatives are being taken.

This was disclosed in a very meeting at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar held underneath the Chairmanship of Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief government Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Among others, Sonam Lotus, Head of the Meteorological Department participated within the meeting.

It was disclosed that the Meteorological Department is within the method of creating 3 Advanced Warning Systems (AWS) every at the bottom Camps at Baltal and Pahalgam in addition as at the Holy Cave. this can offer higher and a lot of correct prediction of probably weather on a given date. The Meteorological Department has additionally set to put in weather show board at the Nunwan Base Camp in addition as at Baltal Base Camp for the good thing about Yatris. 

It was additionally set that the Meteorological Department can offer instant warning relating to any weather connected disturbances to any or all authorities involved through SMS Service.

Mr. Sonam Lotus informed that the Department is within the method of creating Doppler Radar at Srinagar that the procurement method is at a complicated stage. Once established, this can offer an enormous facility for a lot of correct weather prediction within the Kashmir Valley. this can profit not solely the Yatra however to the overall plenty in Kashmir Valley throughout the year.

Preparations for Shri Amarnath Yatra 2011

Amarnath Yatra By Helicopter

100 Post Offices for Amarnath Yatra

CEO SASB concludes intensive tour of Amarnath yatra base campsChief government Officer (CEO) of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Navin K Choudhary nowadays concluded his four days intensive tour of base camps throughout that he inspected the snow state of affairs and facilities for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra.Accompanied by Showkat Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Shahid, SP Ganderbal, Mohammad Yousuf, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority, K G Bamba, GM, Works SASB and different senior functionaries of the district administration, the CEO took stock of snow accumulation and condition of the infrastructure at the bottom camps of Baltal and Domail. It was informed that PWD has been able to open the road up to the bottom camp of Baltal solely 2 days back with nice issue as at some places, the snow is quite twenty to twenty five feet. thanks to significant snowfall this year, the Police Camp at Baltal has been fully drained and there's huge injury to different pre-fabricated structures. The CEO conjointly inspected the helipad where the present structures are nearly destroyed thanks to huge snow avalanches. in an exceedingly meeting with officers of involved departments at the bottom camp, he underscored the requirement for exertions and additional efforts for re-establishing these infrastructures.While conducting intensive tour to Nunwan, Pahalgam and Chandanwari, it had been observed that the snow accumulation is incredibly high beyond Chandanwari, though the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari has been opened for vehicular traffic. thanks to significant accumulation of snow, the advance party of PDA couldn't reach Sheshnag and had to come back back. Even at the time of inspection, it had been snowing at Chandanwari and beyond. Mr Choudhary mentioned the specified action set up for clearing of track and erection of infrastructure facilities well in time for the yatra, which is able to begin on June twenty five. He conjointly issued directions for immediately beginning the work at Nunwan Base Camp. Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Kifayat Rizvi, SSP Anantnag, Ramesh Jalla, Mir Altaf, CEO Pahalgam Development Authority and different district officers accompanied the CEO and deliberated on the yatra arrangements. Meanwhile, Department of Posts can begin the registration of Shri Amarnathji Yatris on behalf of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board from might seven, 2012 and this may be a serious boon to the pilgrims. Hundred Post Offices across the country are identified during this regard. This facility are additionally to the 174 Bank Branches and via the net based mostly e-registration system already announced by the Shrine Board.According to Mr Choudhary, till last year the registration was done solely through J&K Bank and YES Bank. "In a serious initiative to produce convenience to the pilgrims for the registration, SASB has pledged with the Department of Posts for registration of yatris through choose post offices", he said.According to John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, four Yatri Post Offices are established within the Yatra route for the advantage of the pilgrims. These Yatri Post Offices can give basic postal services, as well as letter post, registered post and speed post facilities to the pilgrims. "For quite twenty years these Yatri Post Offices are non-functional and through this year these are revived and created absolutely functional", he said, adding "during Shri Amarnathji Yatra special postal covers and movie post cards are brought out and that they are obtainable at Yatri Post Offices. These are necessary memento for the Yatris".

Amarnath Shrine Board Politicized
Amarnath Yatra 2012 from June 25

Provide food to yatris as per diet chart

A 5-member deputation of the representatives of the Shri Amarnath Barfani Langar Organisation (SABLO) referred to as on N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here nowadays.

The deputation was led by Vijay Thakur, President, and Rajan Gupta, General Secretary of SABLO.

Interacting with the deputation, the Governor emphasised that the langar service ought to be ensured for the Yatris the least bit the identified places until the conclusion of the pilgrimage. He urged the langars to supply food as per the diet chart circulated to them, that takes into consideration the nutritional needs of the Yatris, notably in read of the high altitude and troublesome climate within the Yatra space.

The Governor additionally stressed the crucial importance of maintaining hygienic conditions in and around all langars, throughout the whole Yatra amount, for safeguarding the atmosphere of the world.

The SABLO deputation assured the Governor, who is that the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, that they'll absolutely regard his direction and devote special attention to maintaining cleanliness within the entire Yatra space, notably in and round the Langar areas. They additionally advance many suggestions for improving the Yatra facilities.

Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief govt Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and Preet Pal Singh, further Chief govt Officer of the Board, attended the meeting.

The deputation comprised Pawan Saboo, Chairman, SABLO, Kapil Kapoor and Rajiv Sikri, its Members.

Amarnath Yatra 2011 weather

Amarnath Yatra reaches 5.72 lakh

6.36 lakh Piligrims Visit Amarnath Yatra 2011

Amarnath yatra registration from may 7

Pilgrims will currently fly to cave from Rs 1445 solely

The process of registering Yatris for this year's Shri Amarnathji Yatra can start on might seven, 2012, simultaneously for each the Baltal and Chandanwari routes, through 174 Bank Branches and via the web based mostly e-Registration System.

The decision to start the registration for this year's Yatra was taken throughout an in depth review meeting held yesterday by the Shrine Board Chairman, N. N. Vohra, with Navin K. Choudhary, Chief govt Officer, Preet Pal Singh, further Chief govt Officer and alternative involved functionaries of the Board.

Mr Choudhary informed that the registration of the Yatris can start, across the country, from Registration Counters located in 121 designated Branches of the J&K Bank, forty nine Branches of the YES Bank and four District Cooperative Banks. For the data of all involved, full details of all the Registration Centres are being shown on the Board's web site, www.shriamarnathjishrine.com. CEO any stated that, as counseled by the Board's Sub-Committee headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, and consequently approved by the Shrine Board, this year's Yatra can start simultaneously, along each the Baltal and therefore the Chandanwari routes, on twenty fifth June and culminate on Raksha Bandhan, the 2nd August, 2012.

While applying for Yatra allow each intending Yatri would be needed to submit a Health Certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP). CEO informed that forty five, sixty eight and 107 Yatris had lost their lives within the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Yatras, respectively. during this context, and additionally considering that a majority of the Yatris don't pay serious attention to the Health Advisories issued by the CEO, the Board has determined that the Yatris ought to endure a compulsory health check-up and furnish a Health Certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner once they apply for a Yatra allow. This demand had additionally been suggested by the National Disaster Management Authority, he added.

CEO stated that with the shut attention paid by the Shrine Board Chairman, N. N. Vohra, it had been doable to progressively expand the Registration network once a year, for enhancing the convenience of the intending Yatris. This year, the Board has been ready to increase the amount of Bank Registration Counters to 174 from 149 in 2011.

For the aim of Registration, to be done on "First-Come-First-Serve Basis", the requisite Application type and therefore the Compulsory Health Certificate type is collected from any of the designated branches of J&K Bank, YES Bank and Cooperative Banks or downloaded from the Board's web site. Registration are going to be done through a Yatra allow, which is able to be issued on the submission of a duly filled-in Application type, Compulsory Health Certificate and payment of handling charges of Rs. fifteen per Yatri. As determined by the Chairman, there'll be no increase within the handling charges of Rs. fifteen per Yatri for Registration done through the Registration Counters or through the web based mostly e-Registration system.

The CEO said that the Yatris will get a provisional Yatra allow on-line via the web site of J&K Bank (http://yatra.jkbank.net), on payment of handling charges of Rs. fifteen per Yatri. but Yatris, who hold provisional Yatra Permits can ought to submit the prescribed Health Certificate at Yatra Base Camps - Baltal and Nunwan - and have their provisional Yatra Permits stamped by officers of the Shrine Board before being allowed to proceed beyond the bottom Camps. This facility has been particularly provided for the advantage of those pilgrims who might not have prepared access to any of the 174 designated Registration Counters. CEO stated that each Registered Yatri are going to be coated by an Accidental Insurance of Rs. one lakh, that is paid by the Shrine Board.

Cautioning the Yatris against endeavor this arduous Yatra while not securing a allow, Mr Choudhary stressed that for guaranteeing effective security arrangements along the troublesome tracks, solely those Yatris are going to be allowed to proceed beyond the bottom Camps, and cross the Entry Gates at Domel and Chandanwari, who are in possession of a Yatra allow that is valid for a specified date and route.

The CEO stated that, from seventh might 2012 onwards, the interested Yatris will reserve their heli-seats through the net based mostly on-line Reservation System, by logging on to the Shrine Board's web site. He clarified that to scale back inconvenience and delays, any Yatri who travels by the helicopter services wouldn't be needed to get a Yatra allow however can got to furnish a Compulsory Health Certificate before being allowed to board the helicopter. CEO explained that the helicopter price ticket would function Yatra allow for the Yatris traveling by helicopter services, because the format of the price ticket would contain the data needed by the Board.

He informed that the helicopter services for the Yatris would be accessible on every of the 2 routes viz. Baltal-Panjtarni-Baltal and Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam. The a technique heli-fare for Baltal-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been mounted at Rs. 1445 and Rs. 2355, respectively. The CEO noted that this year one-way passenger fare for Baltal-Panjtarni has been reduced to Rs. 1445, from Rs. 2425 last year. Like-wise, the one-way passenger fare for Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been reduced to Rs. 2355, from Rs. 3495 last year.

Amarnath Yatra By Helicopter

Amarnath pilgrims will now need to carry medical certificate

Panun Kashmir on Amarnath Yatra

Contradictions in Amarnath Yatra report

BJP State Chief Spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh has accused Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) of creating an avoidable controversy over the duration of Yatra and giving out the impression that SASB is inclined to disturb peace in the region by raking up a conflict at the behest of National Conference led coalition Government in the State.

Dr Singh pointed out to Contradictions in the report submitted by sub-committee of the SASB regarding duration and schedule of yatra and said that on page no. 18 of the report, while para 40 (ii) recommends 25 June 2012 as the date for commencement of yatra on the plea that it is an auspicious day, the very next paragraph that is para 40 (iii) refers to possibility of beginning the yatra from 17 June 2012 which is also, according to it, an auspicious day.

Dr Jitendra Singh alleged that the tone and tenor of Sub-Committee report gives the impression that its membners are themselves not sure or convinced about what they are recommending and have simply played with words and phrases to accommodate the priorities and viewpoint SASB.

In para 40 (i), the Sub-Committee report itself admits that Shri Amarnath Yatra is to commence on "Jyeshta Purnima" but goes on to add that if this is not feasible due to climatic factors, Pooja is to be held at any other suitable place in the yatra area, pointed out Dr Jitendra Singh and said that better could have been if instead the sub-committee had suggested faster snow-clearing and track clearance for early start of Yatra.

He said that the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), which has been assigned the task of snow clearing, is inadequately equipped for it and asked if the Shrine Board is honest about it, what prevents it from engaging professional services of a specialized agency.

Dr. Jitendra Singh quoted scientific references from Geology books to emphasize the point that May to September is congenial weather enroute Amarnath Shrine and said the yatra could be made operative for longer period with provision of weather forecasts from time to time. 

SASB clarifies report on duration of yatra

Governor reviews arrangements for Shri Amarnath Yatra

Governor N. N. Vohra, chaired a series of meetings to review the status of arrangements related to the Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2012, at Raj Bhavan here today.

Among others, Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Home, Kuldeep Khoda, Director General of Police, K. B. Agarwal, Principal Secretary, PWD, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and other concerned senior functionaries participated in the meetings.

In the meeting with the Minister of State for Home, the Governor had a detailed review of the security arrangements being made for Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2012. He also discussed with Mr. Wani and concerned officers up to-date status of the action taken to implement the recommendations of High Level Committee which was set up on the directions of the Governor and the Chief Minister after last year's Yatra, particularly those relating to the opening and clearing of tracks along both the routes to the Shrine.

Among the decisions taken it was agreed that the PWD will immediately approach the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for taking up the project for improvement and upgradation of Baltal-Holy Cave route and the time bound execution of this project through the Border Roads Organization.

The Governor directed the CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to urgently visit Pahalgam and Baltal to assess the status of the snowmelt and preparatory work for undertaking various works related to the forthcoming Yatra. He also directed the CEO to discuss all Yatra 2012 issues with the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal Districts, CEOs of the Pahalgam and Sonamarg Development Authorities, Director, Indian Meteorological Department, Srinagar, Chief Engineer, Project Beacon, Border Roads Organization and other related agencies.

LAHDC allots 1499 kanal land to SKUAST

Tourism Minister discusses Amarnath Yatra

Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora today called on Governor N N Vohra and discussed Amarnath Yatra arrangements at Raj Bhawan here.

Among others, the timely commissioning of the shelter sheds, toilets at the various identified locations along the Yatra routes, by the Tourism Department, and increasing their number, wherever required, also came up for discussion during the meeting.

Mr Jora also briefed the Governor about the various initiatives being taken by the Tourism Department for the promotion of tourism in the State, including the projected schemes for developing a pilgrim tourism circuit in Jammu, a Sufi circuit in Kashmir Valley and a Buddhist circuit in Ladakh.

Largest Temple to come up in Bihar

Amarnath Yatra registration from May 8

Registration for this year’s annual holy pilgrimage to Baba Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas would start from May 8.

Official sources told the Jk News that all necessary formalities for start of registration were being completed.

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which mans yatra to hole cave shrine, has designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Yes Bank, Cooperative Banks and 100 Post Offices for registration of pilgrims.

Sources said the Post Offices have been designated for registration of yatris at the places where there were no branches of the designated banks.

"To avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims to travel a long distance for registration, 100 Post Offices have been designated to register the yatris’’, sources said.

Annual pilgrimage of Baba Amarnath ji shrine for this year would start on June 25 and culminate on August 2.

Army to man heights of Baba Amarnath shrine

Authorities devise roadmap for summer, yatra, militancy

Authorities today devised a roadmap to ensure a peaceful summer, Amarnath yatra and Durbar Move this year in the Kashmir valley. They also finalized a strategy to ensure zero level of infiltration on the Line of Control (LoC), which has been maintained during first quarter of the current year.

The strategy was formulated at a high level three hour long security review meeting held in Srinagar, which was attended by top brass of police, Army, para-military forces and Intelligence agencies.

The meeting among others was attended by Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt Gen S A Hasnain, all Commanders of the Army Divisions operating in the Kashmir valley, Additional DGP (Law and Order) K Rajendera, IGP Kashmir SM Sahai, IG CID Dr B Srinivas and top officials of CRPF, BSF, IB and other agencies.

The meeting was follow up of the security review undertaken by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in Jammu on April 10.

Official sources told the Jk News that the high level meeting devised a roadmap to maintain peaceful summer and ensure fool proof security of tourist spots to keep summer abuzz in the Kashmir valley and prevent any repeat of 2010 like situation when over 100 persons were killed in the protests.

However, 2011 summer had been completely peaceful in the Valley.

Sources said the meeting decided to take care of ``trigger points'', who could provoke the youth to street protests.

Amarnath Yatra By Helicopter

Amarnath Yatra 2012 from June 25

‘‘Various formulas have been worked out to deal with separatists, militants, youths and other provocative forces'', sources said, adding all security and police agencies would keep the youth engaged in different activities.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already announced withdrawal of cases against about 5000 youth, mostly stone pelters of 2010 summer. Sources said police have decided to expedite the process of withdrawal of cases as a Confidence Building Measure (CBM) among the youth. The process of withdrawal of cases would be completed within a month's time, they added.

The authorities have decided to beef up security of all tourist spots across the Valley in view of heavy rush of tourists expected in the months of May-July. Intelligence agencies had reports that the militants could target tourists to spoil peak tourist season in summer. However, authorities said, there was nothing to worry for the tourists as fool-proof security arrangements were being made for their visits.

Amarnath yatra security also came under a high level review during the meeting, sources said, adding it was decided that Army would man heights of Baltal and Pahalgam, the twin tracks leading to holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji in South Kashmir Himalayas.

Para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police would dominate rest of the areas including parts of tracks, base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam), Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu and two National Highways of Jammu-Pathankot and Jammu-Srinagar, sources said.

Deployment of security at Shri Amarnath Bhawan and the tracks would start with clearance of snowfall, sources said and added that the Union Home Ministry has already agreed to give additional companies of para-military forces for deployment of pilgrims’ security.

Pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Amarnath ji is starting on June 25 and would culminate on August 2 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the level of militancy related incidents, which have considerably gone down across the State.

Mr Khoda said as against 2000 active militants in the State in 2006, there were just 175 militants left now including 145 in the Kashmir valley and 30 in Jammu.

``There has been zero infiltration at the Line of Control (LoC) this year. Army was determined to maintain this tempo on the LoC in the coming days as well especially when snow would start melting in next few days'', sources said, adding that Army was maintaining a high alert on the LoC to thwart intrusion bid.

The meeting noted that as against 25 militancy related incidents across the State so far, 55 incidents had been reported during corresponding period last year while only five civilians have been killed this year as against 14 last year.

Twenty-nine militants have been killed as against 27 last year while there had been no losses of security forces as against five fatalities suffered last year during the same period. The militancy related incidents so far were 50 per cent down from 2011 and 47 per cent from 2010, sources said, adding that such a downward trend in the militancy has never been witnessed.

The authorities also reviewed security for shifting of the Civil Secretariat, the seat of the Government, which would shift to Srinagar, the summer capital of the State from May 7 from Jammu for next six months.