Amarnath Yatra: 4 teachers suspended, probe into registration irregularities

J&K govt cracks down on alleged financial discrepancies at Manigam transit camp, moving all on-spot registrations to Baltal base camp.

: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday suspended four teachers deployed on Amarnath pilgrimage duties and launched an investigation following alleged irregularities in the on-spot registration of yatris in Ganderbal district.

Security personnel keep vigil at a check post during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in Pahalgam on Wednesday. (PTI)

Officials confirmed the suspensions were enacted on the recommendation of the assistant commissioner revenue, who serves as the nodal officer for the transit camp at Manigam.

According to an order issued by Ganderbal chief education officer NA Khan, the teachers placed under suspension are Bilal Ahmad Sheikh of Haripora, Aabid Mohu ud din Bhat of Manigam, Peer Mudasir of Wussan, and Gowhar Rashid Kullu of Gund.

The disciplinary action stems from an alleged mismatch detected between the actual number of pilgrim registrations completed and the financial entries recorded on the fee registration forms.

The Ganderbal district administration confirmed it has taken formal cognizance of the discrepancies at the transit camp.

An official spokesperson said that the matter is under investigation and strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in the irregularities.

Following this development, authorities announced that all on-spot registrations will now be processed at the Baltal base camp, provided pilgrims produce the prescribed documentation and meet the eligibility criteria.

Officials have urged pilgrims to secure their registrations solely through authorised centres and adhere to official procedures. The administration warned pilgrims not to fall prey to touts, middlemen, or unauthorised individuals offering fraudulent registration assistance in exchange for money.