Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said two lakh pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave shrine since the annual pilgrimage commenced on July 3.

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Sinha said, “Today marks the eighth day of the Amarnath Yatra, and around 1.70 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave. The J&K administration, police, Army, security forces, shrine board and all stakeholders have worked in complete synergy to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage.”

However, later in the evening he stated in a post on X: “In a remarkable testament to faith, the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed the 2 lakh pilgrim mark in just 8 days.” “Har Har Mahadev!” he added.

He said a significant number of devotees arrived without prior registration this year. “We successfully facilitated their journey by completing the necessary formalities. Every effort is being made to ensure that pilgrims return home with a positive experience,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor visited the Baltal base camp to review arrangements for pilgrims. He inspected the base camp hospital, on-the-spot registration counters, accommodation tents and other facilities, and directed all departments to ensure seamless coordination.

“The comfort of Amarnathji’s devotees must remain the highest priority. From registration to accommodation and movement to darshan, every stage of the pilgrimage should be seamless. All departments are committed to making the journey safe and memorable,” he said.

Sinha said the yatra was enriching the spiritual lives of devotees while contributing to the livelihoods of people in Jammu and Kashmir. He also interacted with service providers, sanitation workers, doctors and volunteers managing community kitchens.

He directed authorities to take strict legal action against anyone involved in overcharging pilgrims or facilitating fraudulent registrations. “Whether it is a service provider, government employee or any individual associated with an institution, no exception should be made. Register a case immediately,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also ordered a comprehensive audit of sanitation arrangements and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.

The 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari are fully operational and are handling around 1,300 to 1,400 OPD patients daily, providing healthcare to pilgrims as well as security personnel deployed along the route.

“I appeal to all pilgrims to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and the shrine board. In case of any inconvenience, they should immediately contact the nearest Camp Director or security personnel for prompt assistance,” Sinha said.