JAMMU, JUNE 15: The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn age restriction and registration fee for pilgrims keen for a darshan of the holy ice-lingam at the Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir from July 9.Official sources told The Indian Express here today that the government had decided to allow pilgrims of all age groups for the yatra. But they have to produce a medical certificate from a doctor certifying them as fit to trek the hilly terrain up to a height of 14,000 feet. Last year, it had allowed only those between 15 and 60 years, inviting criticism for imposing restrictions on the pilgrimage.The government has also withdrawn its earlier decision to charge a registration fee of Rs 25 from every intending pilgrim at the time of registration. When pointed out that the state government had been charging this fee for the last two days, sources said the decision was withdrawn following instructions from Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.The pilgrims will be allowed to trek to Amarnath shrine fromPahalgam and Baltal sides. The latter route was thrown open for pilgrims only at the fag end of the pilgrimage last year.Security forces have started combing operations at the foot hills of Pir Panjal to flush out militants.The pilgrims will have to pay money for tents this time, as the state government has decided to allow private parties to pitch tents for the pilgrims. Voluntary organisations will be allowed to organise free meals for the pilgrims outside Pahalgam. The process of registration of pilgrims has been simplified. Unlike last year, the pilgrims will be required to submit their applications along with two photographs and a self addressed envelope.This will help officials immediately send registration numbers to the pilgrims through post, sources said.
