Four teachers suspended for ‘lapses’ during Amarnath yatra; suspicious youths tagged by face recognition held

Published 8 July 2026 · politics

The Ganderbal administration’s move to suspend four teachers over “lapses” during the Amarnath yatra evoked a sharp reaction from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The Ganderbal administration’s move to suspend four teachers over “lapses” during the Amarnath yatra evoked a sharp reaction from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday (July 8, 2026). Meanwhile, three alleged Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were detained by the police after a Facial Recognition System (FRS) raised a red flag on the Pahalgam route of the yatra. According to the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal, four government teachers were placed under suspension with immediate effect “following a communication received from the Nodal Officer, Transit Camp Manigam, regarding alleged lapses in Amarnath Yatra duties.” Officials said the Ganderbal administration was keeping a close eye on the process of on-spot registration of pilgrims heading for the Amarnath yatra from the Baltal route.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has warned the officials against registering pilgrims without following due process. Officials said irregularities have surfaced in the Amarnath Yatra registration process at the Transit Camp Manigam in Ganderbal. Officials declined to divulge details. Why engage teachers? PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the administration’s move to engage local teachers for the Amarnath yatra registration. “What do teachers know about tourism registration? Why would they be assigned to something they have no knowledge or experience of? Are they scapegoats? Why was there such a big PR bonanza on Yatri numbers? Did it occur to anyone such a massive registration would affect logistics and preservation of the cave itself?” said Ms. Mufti.

Meanwhile, the Anantnag Police detained three alleged Over Ground Workers (OGWs) after a Facial Recognition System (FRS) raised a red flag. The three were detained at Sarbal. Police termed the detection as “a successful demonstration of the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technology deployed for the ongoing Yatra”. Officials said acting swiftly on the alerts, police personnel intercepted and verified the identities of the individuals. “During the verification process, all three were identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs),” they said. Scores of local youths who allegedly have links with militants or who have been in the ranks of protesters have been intergrated into the database of the FRS system by the J&K Police.

“All three individuals were promptly apprehended by Anantnag Police for further legal proceedings,” officials said. The Anantnag Police said it remains committed to leveraging modern surveillance systems and maintaining a robust security framework to safeguard pilgrims and uphold peace in the district.