Amarnath Yatra: Jammu and Kashmir Govt Makes Aadhar Authentication Compulsory For Pilgrims

About three lakh pilgrims are likely to take part in the yatra that will continue for 43 days from June 30 to August 11.

Representative Image

Source : ANI

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday released a notification for pilgrims going to undertake the Amarnath Yatra to furnish proof of Aadhaar or undergo Aadhar authentication on a voluntary basis, reported news agency ANI.

"The pilgrims desirous of undertaking Amarnath Yatra shall furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar or undergo Aadhaar authentication on a voluntary basis," read an official statement released by the union government.

The decision has been taken as one of the measures to tighten security for the Amarnath Yatra amid threats from terrorist groups across the border to disrupt the yatra.

Earlier on Thursday Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha reviewed the preparations for the Annual yatra and said that efforts are bein made to all work on time and ensure tight security to the pilgrims.

"All the work is to be completed within the set timeline and officials to ensure optimum use of technology to make the yatra safer and more convenient for the pilgrims," the official statement by the governor said, as reported by news agency ANI.

"All senior officials to periodically inspect the security and every aspect of world-class arrangements, transport, lodging, sanitation, electricity, water, communication, health, convenience shops, food courts, vending zones etc for Amarnath yatris," the statement read further.

Director-General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh also took stock of security arrangements for pilgrims at Yatra camps in FC Mir-bazaar, Walnut Factory Qazigund and Lamber in Ramban on Wednesday.

For the first time, helicopter service for the yatra will be available for devotes from Srinagar. 

About three lakh pilgrims are likely to take part in the yatra that will continue for 43 days between June 30 and August 11. Online registration for the pilgrimage has already begun