Security fears after April 22 Baisaran attack impact pilgrim turnout; over 85,000 devotees reconfirm travel plans as administration assures robust arrangements ahead of July 3 start.
June 26, 2025 | Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday confirmed a 10.19% decline in Amarnath Yatra registrations this year, attributing the dip to the terror attack at Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives—most of them tourists.
“Registrations were progressing well before the incident, but saw a drop thereafter,” Sinha said during a press briefing at Raj Bhavan, adding that 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered before the attack. Of these, over 85,000 have reconfirmed their intent to undertake the pilgrimage.
Despite the setback, he affirmed that confidence is gradually returning as comprehensive security measures have been rolled out. “The yatra will take place as planned from July 3 to August 9,” Sinha assured.
Three-Layered Security & No Helicopter Services
Sinha elaborated on the three-tiered security system established at base camps. “Area domination drills, personnel verification, and mock exercises are ongoing,” he said. Additional forces from CAPF and J&K Police have been deployed to cover pilgrims, service providers, and local residents alike.
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He also announced that helicopter services have been suspended this year. “Only about 8% of pilgrims used helicopters. Given recent helicopter crashes in other states and rising security concerns, this was a necessary precaution,” he stated.
Track Improvements and Pilgrim Coordination
Addressing infrastructure upgrades, the LG noted that yatra tracks have been widened from 4 to 12 feet and vulnerable points have been reinforced for safer pilgrim movement. The route is now motorable up to the holy cave, although vehicles will be restricted to emergency cases.
Sinha urged pilgrims traveling by private vehicles to coordinate with convoys from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, to enhance safety.
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Yatra to Proceed as Scheduled
Despite the impact of the attack, Sinha emphasized that “the yatra will take place this year just like it has in previous years”. Feedback from earlier pilgrims has been positive, he said, and the efforts of the administration and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have been widely appreciated.
Tags: Amarnath Yatra 2025, Pahalgam attack, Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir news, yatra registration drop, Baisaran terror attack, Amarnath security, helicopter suspension, yatra date, J&K LG briefing