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SRINAGAR, INDIA, June 6, 2002: The state government is thinking of allowing those who want to undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage to register their names through any of the branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank spread all over the country. Besides registration, there is a move to insure pilgrims for US$1,042 against death or physical disability suffered during the course of the pilgrimage through Metlife of J&K Bank. There will be a one-time premium of $0.42 for this insurance cover. The proposal is to make this facility available at all the 80 branches of the bank spread all over the country In the past, people were required to report at Jammu for registration and permission to undertake the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave. Even if a counter would be functioning at Kashmir House in Delhi, there would be a law and order problem at the registration counter in Jammu. According to district development commissioner (DDC) Abdul Hamid Allaqaband, the yatra would commence on July 22 and end on August 22 with the carrying of Chadi Mubarak from Srinagar to the holy cave on Raksha Bandhan. Most of the pilgrims are allowed by the government to take the Pahalgam route. The Baltal route terrain is difficult and only some of the pilgrims take the Baltal route in Sonmarg. The DDC said the Baltal route track would be barricaded and fenced by iron-chains this year. Besides, the pony track would be widened. He said the joint control room of the core group will start functioning from July 10 at Ganderbal, Manigam, Kangan and Sonmarg Baltal. Hamid said that the number of pilgrims who take the Baltal route may go up to 1,500 this year from 800 last year. The yatra officer will earmark space for langers (kitchens) so that there is no confusion in setting up kitchens along the route, said Hamid.

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