Move seeks to ensure dissemination of verified information; authorised officers to coordinate with Information Department, Shrine Board

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, June 30(KNZ/TMJ): In a move aimed at ensuring the dissemination of verified and authentic information during the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday authorised only the Divisional Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) of the Kashmir and Jammu divisions to interact with the media and conduct official briefings on the pilgrimage.

The authorisation has been issued through a circular by the Tourism Department, Civil Secretariat, ahead of the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.

Under the order, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, along with the IGP Kashmir, will serve as the designated officials for media interactions concerning the Kashmir Division, while the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and the IGP Jammu have been authorised to brief the media on matters relating to the Jammu Division.

The government said the decision has been taken to streamline official communication and ensure the timely dissemination of authentic information regarding the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.

The circular further directs the authorised officers to coordinate closely with the Information Department, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board to ensure that all information related to the pilgrimage is disseminated in a timely, accurate and coordinated manner.

The order, issued by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Tourism Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, has come into immediate effect.

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is scheduled to commence in the coming days amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements put in place by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.(KNZ/TMJ)