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

The Ganderbal administration’s move to suspend four teachers for “transitions” during the Amarnath yatra sparked a strong reaction from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Meanwhile, three alleged Ground Workers (OGWs) were detained by the police after the Facial Recognition System (FRS) raised a red flag on the Pahalgam route of the yatra.

According to Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ganderbal, four government teachers were suspended with immediate effect “following a communication received from the Nodal Officer Transit Camp Manigam regarding alleged lapses in Amarnath Yatra duties”.

Ganderbal administration is closely monitoring the on-site registration process of pilgrims heading for Amarnath yatra via Baltal route, officials said. Shri Amarnath Temple Board (SASB) has warned authorities not to register pilgrims without following legal procedures. Irregularities have surfaced in the Amarnath Yatra registration process at Transit Camp Manigam in Ganderbal, officials said. Authorities refused to disclose details.

Why should you engage teachers?

PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the administration’s move to appoint local teachers for Amarnath yatra registration. “What do teachers know about tourism registration? Why should they be appointed to a post for which they have no knowledge or experience? Are they being scapegoated? Why was there such a huge PR gain in the Yatri numbers? Did anyone think that such a huge registration would affect the logistics and preservation of the cave?” said Ms. Mufti.

Meanwhile, Anantnag Police detained three alleged Ground Workers (OGWs) after the Facial Recognition System (FRS) raised a red flag.

Three of them were detained in Sarbal. Police described its detection as “a successful demonstration of the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technology used for the ongoing Yatra”.

Authorities said that police personnel acted quickly upon the notices and caught the individuals and confirmed their identities. “During the verification process, all three were identified as Overground Workers (OGWs),” they said.

A large number of local youths, allegedly linked to militants or in the ranks of protesters, have been integrated into the database of the FRS system by the J&K Police.

“All three persons were immediately arrested by Anantnag Police for further legal action,” officials said.

Anantnag Police said it is committed to utilizing modern surveillance systems and ensuring a robust security framework to protect pilgrims and maintain peace in the region.